Testing Challenges in Low Code Environments
The arrival of low and no-code technologies has challenged the effectiveness of traditional testing processes. Test-Driven Development (TDD) is known for its quality-first approach but often results in test cases that do not represent what the business hopes to achieve because the tests are too low level. Project teams often have to bring on additional resources to help translate what users describe into something TDD can accommodate. Business Driven Development (BDD), an evolution of TDD, brings some improvements to the low and no-code landscape. BDD is adequate for low and no-code platforms but still misses hidden scenarios that can bring a system crashing down if left unaccounted for even if the business value is not always clear.
On top of the gaps these approaches create, there is limited support for the tools and frameworks QA teams typically use today. Many organizations that have adopted low and no-code technologies have had to adapt their approach to quality assurance in order to build out scalable, maintainable, and robust enterprise-grade applications.
Macedon’s Approach
Macedon takes a hybrid approach to QA in the low and no-code environment. Our proven framework utilizes the high-level BDD approach and slots in TDD processes where BDD falls short. We tailor this approach to a customer’s specific IT landscape, leveraging the strengths of each framework while mitigating the pitfalls, and elevating the value the QA team provides.
Our approach does not rely on dedicated resources for translating business requirements into test cases; we employ tools that let business users write requirements. The toolkit also funnels these cases into an automated testing suite, reducing the need for dedicated QA resources while preserving the benefits that come with automated testing.
Results
Across customers using our tailored approach, we have dramatically increased the initial quality of individual features that are released to QA, reducing the cycle time of said functionality. This frees up time for a QA team to focus on higher-value activities like automated testing, professional development, or supporting other projects.
We also observe a decrease in time from initial development to release. By having the business write test cases, we eliminate areas of miscommunication and speed up time to market. Another core benefit is the creation of more multi-functional team members, a proven success indicator for any team. Developing cross-functional team members mitigates key-person risk, lowers turnover, and results in a faster, more agile group.
Next Steps
QA approaches like TDD and BDD were built and refined in the custom software world. Many organizations take advantage of their current QA practices with rapid application development platforms. The organizations further along in their development practice have implemented a tailored approach, and your company can be more successful by doing the same types of things.
Macedon can meet with your team (virtually or in-person) to assess the current QA team structures, processes, and tools used today. Then, based on our approach, we can tailor a recommendation for how you can best implement low or no-code application testing procedures.
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