Software Testing - Pair Testing

Software testing ensures that the delivered software meets the end user requirements, and specifications. The pair testing is the one in which multiple members work together in the same feature of the software.

What is Software Pair Testing?

The pair testing is a technique in which more than two teammates are working simultaneously on a functionality of the software. One of the members working on the software feature should be a tester, and another member may be another tester, business analyst or a developer.

Pair programming is a popular concept in extreme programming. The pair testing is a similar technique used for verifying a software. It is a kind of ad hoc testing procedure. At the time of pair testing, two individuals from the same team having various levels of experience, and expertise start working on the same feature at the same time in the same machine.

The pair testing allows exchanging of ideas between two persons. Both of them discuss and identify the required test scenarios. After extensive discussions, and brainstorming, one of the team members (called the navigator), takes down the important notes to fasten up the testing activities. Another team member (called the driver) takes up all the other action items. It is a kind of testing which involves collaboration, and sharing of knowledge.

How is the Software Pair Testing Performed?

The software pair testing is performed using the steps listed below −

Step 1 − Identify the accurate person to pair with so that both of the team mates have the similar wavelength with respect to the testing goals, and objectives.

Step 2 − Allocate the appropriate space for both the individuals so that they are assigned with a dedicated device, and space to work together and execute the test cases.

Step 3 − Identify the goals and test plans covering the items to be included or excluded from testing, test duration etc.

Step 4 − Before the testing activities are kicked off, the roles and responsibilities of the team members are assigned.

Step 5 − The navigator records the notes, and keeps the defect details. The driver executes all the remaining testing activities.

Advantages of Software Pair Testing

The advantages of the software pair testing are listed below −

• The pair testing is performed with the help of two individuals having different knowledge levels working together simultaneously hence it fastens up the testing process.
• The pair testing helps the inexperienced testers to come up to speed.
• The pair testing encourages an environment of collaboration of various knowledge levels.
• The pair testing enables a culture of knowledge sharing between two team members having differential expertise.
• The pair testing promotes a great deal of discussions, brainstorming, and knowledge sharing.
• The pair testing brings more accuracy to the deliverables.
• The pair testing enhances the quality of the test cases, defect reports etc.

Disadvantages of Software Pair Testing

The disadvantages of the software pair testing are listed below −

• The pair testing becomes unsuccessful when the two team members fail to gel up, and communicate with each other.
• The pair testing is not suited for performing the white box tests, as executing the white box test cases involving two individuals do not add any value. Those tests can only be run by a single individual.

When to Perform the Software Pair Testing?

The software pair testing are performed in the scenarios listed below −

• The pair testing is performed if short pair teams are available to verify the software, and to encourage collaboration.
• The pair testing is performed to give a platform for learning. While an inexperienced tester is assigned to work with an experienced one, it helps the inexperienced tester to prepare faster to be aligned with the software development process.
• The pair testing is conducted to collaborate among various roles, and responsibilities to expand the periphery of testing. For example, a tester can pair up with an UX guy, so that he can get more knowledge on the graphical user interface, and display, then come up with the related test cases. Also, a tester can pair up with the business analyst to gain insights on a particular feature which directly impacts the customers. In this way, the revenue in the business can be improved along with enhancing the brand value of the software.

Who can Perform the Software Pair Testing?

The software pair testing can be performed by the individuals listed below −

• Two testers
• One developer and one tester
• One tester and one UX or UI designer

Conclusion

This concludes our comprehensive take on the tutorial on Software Pair Testing. Weve started with describing what is software pair testing, how is the software pair testing performed, what are the advantages of software pair testing, what are the disadvantages of software pair testing, when to perform the software pair testing, and who can perform the software pair testing. This equips you with in-depth knowledge of Software Pair Testing. It is wise to keep practicing what youve learned and exploring others relevant to Software Testing to deepen your understanding and expand your horizons.