End To End Testing (E2E) - Different Types & Best Practices

Development teams know the immense importance of releasing a viable tech solution in the market. They are aware that bugs or issues can strike the product at any part of the process flow. Hence, they need a sturdy checking mechanism to verify its proper functioning. 

This is the exact goal of End-to-end or E2E testing. With this check, developers can confirm that all parts work flawlessly under real-world circumstances. It assesses the entire flow of the software. In my experience, the goal is to check that the product functions properly from start to end as intended. 

The primary point of this type of evaluation is to mimic how a client interacts with the software. It reveals any issues related to dependencies. Also, you can confirm that the framework and integration’s function are accurate.

Typically, this type of scrutiny is entrusted to the quality assurance teams. It follows functional and framework testing stages. 

This blog will explore what end to end testing entails and outline essential test cases for complete understanding.

What Is End To End Testing?

E2E testing delivers immense value in assessing the app from start to finish. It is used to confirm that every part and each function works as per client expectations. This type of check verifies that the product works as the users would intend it to. 

It simulates real-world scenarios by examining the entire system. Such a scrutiny includes all integrated components and dependencies. This approach verifies that data flows correctly between various system components and that all processes function as intended.

Why End To End Testing? Need For E2E Testing

Software complexity is increasing with each passing day. Applications today are built with different layers and interconnected subsystems. These include-

• User interfaces (UI)
• API layers
• External databases
• Networks

If any part fails, it can affect the entire product. Hence, I can say from my experience that the stability of every part is vital for the app’s success.

The development and testing teams need to strictly check the reliability of the application. For this, it is vital to test it entirely from start to finish. Right from the appearance and performance to its API and UI layers, every component is meticulously examined. Doing so helps uncover bugs and issues that impede proper functioning.

I would strongly recommend using software testing tools for achieving the best results in end-to-end testing. Automation assists you with covering more ground efficiently and maintaining top quality across all application layers.

Enhancing your preparation by taking an Automation Testing Training in Pune can equip you with essential skills and insights, significantly strengthening your candidacy.

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Objectives Of End To End Testing

The goal of this type of check is to ensure the software works flawlessly in real-world circumstances. It focuses on the entire client experience.

Technical tests like regression testing examine individual components. But end to end testing simulates user interactions to identify likely issues in the software product. Companies benefit substantially from investing in E2E testing tools and assets. It helps maintain top-notch customer satisfaction and dependability.

Automating E2E testing makes it simpler and quicker to validate software functionality across various situations and conditions. This leads to solid reliability when it is eventually released in the market.

Also Read: Software Testing Tools

Different Types Of End To End Testing Tools

Testers rely on a range of end to end testing tools to check if all components function harmoniously. They uplift efficiency and guarantee precise outcomes in the evaluation process. 

Let us check out some of the E2E testing tools that I have used at my workplace. 

Autify: This tool automates the checks of web and mobile applications. It allows you to record interaction with applications using its Chrome extension and then run these tests on various systems like-

• Windows
• Linux
• Mac

The tool makes sure that your applications work without any hassle across various platforms and devices.

TestRigor: Testers use this tool to simplify automated testing with basic and simple commands. This makes it ideal for manual QA testers who might not have broad programming skills. Its AI-driven automation scripts extend test coverage efficiently, requiring minimal effort. Plus, test rigor helps you with creating tailored test cases even for intricate situations.

TestComplete: Test Complete from Smart Bear is a robust tool for automated testing. It makes and executes functional UI tests for both desktop and web applications.

You can record tests or manually design them using keyword-driven operations. It also facilitates automated playback and logs errors effectively.

Test Complete is based on an open COM-based architecture. This makes it adaptable and viable with different tools and applications. It integrates with popular tools like Jenkins and Mozilla Bugzilla.

Also Read: Quality Assurance Vs Quality Control

End To End Testing Frameworks

End-to-end testing frameworks are tools or code libraries intended to automate the E2E testing of apps. They assist testers in creating and executing test cases. They also come in handy for managing the cases and producing insightful reports.

These frameworks simulate client interactions to reveal application issues effectively.

There are various kinds of E2E testing frameworks accessible, from those requiring programming skills for test creation to completely code-free options. These tools ease the testing system. Using these tools, testers can conduct a detailed evaluation from the client’s perspective.

Also Read: Test Scenario

Types Of E2E Testing

There are two types of end-to-end tests:

1. Horizontal Testing: Here, the tester checks a specific layer or component to see if it works reliably across different parts of the software.

For example, horizontal testing in a messaging app ensures that sending messages works smoothly on any device.

2. Vertical Testing: This guarantees that a particular function works consistently across all layers of the software, from the UI to the server and data set.

In a messaging application situation, vertical testing confirms that the whole course of sending messages works accurately. It verifies each step, from typing a message to the server handling it to the beneficiary receiving it.

How To Measure End to End Testing

Testing team uses these four indicators for assessing the progress of end-to-end tests.

1. Current Status of Test Case Preparation: You can follow this using a graph that shows the number of ready test cases compared with the complete number you initially planned.

2. Progress on Weekly Testing: This measurement assists you with tracking the progress and details of your tests week by week. It is ideal to monitor the percentage of tests you have finished and the number of passed or failed.

3. Status of Defects and Details: Tracking these measurements week after week is crucial. This data point shows the percentage of defects that have been opened and shut. It also segregated the insight by severity and business need.

4. Test Environment Availability: In this circumstance, you will monitor two significant measurements: 

1. The planned time for running tests in a specific environment. 

2. The genuine time spent executing end-to-end tests in those conditions.

For example, you will track each environment’s total uptime and the scheduled daily testing hours.

End To End Testing Parameters

This type of evaluation includes testing the app completely in the testing environment. It should mimic situations that simulate real-world usage. Here are the key parameters to consider in end to end testing.

1. User Actions: Simulate real user actions such as logging in. It also checks other actions like navigating the application and carrying out transactions.

2. Data Integrity: Ensures precise and safe data transfer between various components. Such a transmission needs to happen without any loss or corruption of the secure data.

3. Performance: Here, the team measures response times and overall framework performance under varying scenarios.

4. Security: The tester checks the security of the app. They need to confirm that it shields data and assets against breaches and hack attempts.

5. Usability: Assess the UI and experience methodically. This assures the tester that it is intuitive and easy to understand.

Example Of End To End Testing

There are different uses for end to end testing. For example, consider software for booking flight tickets. 

In this instance, the tester will verify that the application runs smoothly as follows:

1. You will start by clicking on the app link. After that, you will be able to log in successfully using a genuine user ID and password.

2. At this point, you can start the booking phase. You will provide details like the travel dates and the location. Select your desired class and mode of transportation as well.

3. After that, choose the additional options and let the app know about the number of tickets you require. After that, you can use your chosen payment method to complete the purchase.

4. Completing the process will result in a printable ticket being displayed on the screen. Further, an automated copy ought to arrive on your email. 

If there is any problem in any part of the app, then you won’t be able to carry out these steps. As a result, you will not be able to get the tickets as mentioned in step#4 above. This issue will be discovered thanks to E2E testing. In such a case, the developers need to check which part is leading to the product’s failure. This will help them identify the root cause and fix the issue. 

End To End Testing E2E Best Practices

Compelling end to end testing practices help in delivering a reliable application to the end user. These practices work toward accomplishing smooth testing cycles and ensuring that the end product meets quality guidelines.

Here are the best practices for E2E testing:

You need to pay attention to critical user flows and scenarios that mimic real-world usage. Here, you need to focus on testing the most important features and common user journeys. It is a smart move to use a stable test environment. It will closely resemble production and include all integrated systems and dependencies.

Next, you can automate E2E tests where possible. Doing so will tremendously improve efficiency and enable frequent execution. However, you should be careful to balance automation with manual testing. This is especially true for complex scenarios or subjective evaluations. It is better to use robust, maintainable test frameworks. Plus, the team needs to follow good coding practices in test scripts.

Also, make sure to incorporate proper test data management. This step will help ensure consistent and reliable results. Do factor in data setup and teardown processes to maintain test independence. Regularly review and update E2E tests. When you do this step, you can align with evolving application features and user behaviors.

Finally, it is crucial to integrate E2E testing into your CI/CD pipeline for early detection of issues. Also, you need to track test execution times and optimize when necessary. This step will help prevent bottlenecks in the development process.

Also Read: Manual Testing vs Automation Testing

How To Implement End To End Testing Strategy

The steps to approach E2E testing include:

1. Identifying key test scenarios

2. Mapping out each step

3. Creating the tests

After setting up the tests, you can automate them and integrate them into your continuous integration or CI pipeline.

To recognize test situations, consider real-world situations requiring testing. You need to do this before launching the product. This point includes brainstorming with testers and partners.

For every situation, you can map out the required steps and activities and their expected outcomes.

These test situations can be implemented as actual test cases. You can execute them manually or choose to do automated testing. Although not every test can be automated, picking the right test automation platform enables the automation of most tests. This will enhance execution and efficiency.

You can integrate automated E2E tests into your CI pipeline. This will offer significant feedback to engineers and streamline the process of creating and executing these tests.

Advantages Of End To End Testing

Here are a few benefits of this type of check:

1. Wider Test Coverage: Instead of testing separate software parts, end to end testing checks the entire software process from the user’s viewpoint.

2. Ensures Expected Performance: End to end testing simulates user actions, ensuring software performs as intended.

3. Bug Detection Before Release: This testing identifies remaining bugs before the software is released.

Limitations Of End To End Testing

Here are some common challenges of end to end testing.

• When an E2E test fails, it can require more investigation to pinpoint and resolve issues than smaller unit or integration tests.
• E2E tests often need frequent updates and troubleshooting.
• Testing workflows through the user interface (UI) can be time-consuming.
• Setting up a realistic testing environment can be complex.

Conclusion

End to end testing ensures software works well in real-world situations. Teams can thoroughly test their applications by following E2E best practices and using automation. This makes them more reliable and user-friendly. Hence, we can say that this type of scrutiny plays a vital part in software development.

If you want to learn more and advance your skills in automation testing or E2E testing, then enrolling in a course would be a good idea. I would suggest you explore the Automation Testing Certification program today. 

Also Read: Component Testing in Software Testing

FAQ

1. What is end to end testing in Agile?

A specific type of scrutiny ensures that testers check the entire workflow of the app from beginning to end. This type of check is known as E2E testing in Agile. They use it to confirm that all integrated parts cooperate flawlessly, reflecting real-world situations.

2. What is UAT and end to end testing?

UAT or user acceptance and end to end testing are vital to ensuring software quality. This type of assessment makes sure that the product meets client necessities. E2E testing checks how well all software components function together.

3. What is the difference between system testing and end to end testing?

The whole software or application is examined comprehensively at once in system testing. On the other hand, in E2E Testing, the testers will check how the software behaves across its entire workflow or process

4. What are end to end testing examples?

Let us consider an instance of an e-commerce site. Here, end to end testing would include these steps from start to finish-

• Chooses a product
• Adds it to the cart
• Completes checkout
• Gets a confirmation email

This guarantees each step works flawlessly together. This leads to a successful product purchase online.

5. Is end to end testing UI testing?

This type of check includes UI testing as a feature of its scope. Here, the testing teams checks that the UI works accurately within the application workflow, along with backend processes and integrations. Hence, we can say end to end testing also checks the UI of the app.