Managing large volumes of data test data has become incredibly challenging. To improve the current situation, several organizations have started using software tools and approaches such as agile testing, Agile Testing Software, DevOps, and test data management solutions for managing their test data.
These tools help them in tracking and manage their test cases in a proper manner. DevOps approach specifically focuses on collaboration, the use of automation, and tools for test data management.
What is Test Data Management?
Test data management is the process of managing the development and testing of software. It involves collecting, organizing, storing, and retrieving data that are used during the development and testing of software applications. Test data management is also known as test case management.
The main objective of test data management is to provide a mechanism through which developers can use their own development tools to create test cases.
The process also provides an automated platform for storing these test cases and retrieving them at an appropriate time when they are needed by the development team.
Test data management can be broken down into three main areas:
- Storage - The first step in managing test data is to store it in a location that makes it easy to access. This means that you need to have a place where you can easily find what you need at any time.
- Organization - Once you've got your test data stored, it's time to organize it, so it's easy for you to find what you're looking for when needed. This means creating labels, folders, and records that make sense so that when you need something, it's there and easy to find.
- Retention - Finally, after all that work organizing your data, there will come a time when some data needs to be discarded or archived. It's important that this happens as soon as possible so that no one else has access to it except for those who need it for testing purposes.
Test data management solutions can streamline the TDM process.
Also Read: Top 10 Benefits Of Test Automation
Challenges With Test Data Management
Test data management is a challenging process. The legacy processes associated with test data management present the following challenges.
- The need for accurate and consistent information about the test environment. This includes data on hardware, software versions, and documentation of all changes made to the environment.
- The need for proper recording of test activities to ensure that they are logged accurately and verifiable. This includes logging test results (e.g., run time, errors) along with any actions taken as a result of those results (e.g., retries).
- The need for accurate tracking of dependencies between tests so that when one test fails, another will not fail as well due to missing or incomplete data from the first test run or other reasons (e.g., timeouts).
How DevOps Overcomes Test Data Management Challenges
DevOps is a set of processes and practices that help teams move from a waterfall-based model to an agile one. It includes practices like the use of software release management tools, automated deployment, and continuous integration, which enable teams to build, test and deploy new features faster than ever before.
There are many benefits of DevOps Test Data Management.
- Improve the quality of the software.
- Reduce the time-to-market of new features.
- Improve productivity by reducing manual processes and manual testing.
- Increase business agility by allowing continuous development cycles to be run in parallel with release cycles.
- Increase business agility.
- Improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Improve employee engagement and retention.
Test Data Management Best Practices
Start With A Test Data Management Strategy
Develop test data management plan. The plan should include a discussion of how test data will be collected and managed, who will be responsible for collecting it, where it will be stored, what steps will be taken to ensure its integrity and security, and who will perform tests using the collected data.
Protect Private Data
In modern times, sensitive data or Personally-Identifying Information (PII) is a delicate topic. Online users and authorities have become more aware of the hazards of collecting and using private information. Your test data management needs to follow certain compliance rules, like GDPR or CCPA, that demand stringent data governance standards.
Updating Data In Real Time
To maintain the relevance and trustworthiness of test data, a real-time synchronization mechanism is needed that does not require bulk database copying. Another important factor is ensuring that production system performance is not adversely impacted by frequent access.
Wrapping Up
Test data management is a complex process. Test data management solutions are designed to support DevOps test management and streamline the process. Hire experienced IT professionals to get started in your DevOps journey.
