For development teams, software testing is an essential practice that ensures the quality and functionality of applications before they reach end-users. End-to-end testing (E2E) is an approach that simulates real user experiences to validate a complete system.
In this article, we'll explain what E2E testing is, why it's important, and how you can effectively implement it in your software projects.
What is e2e testing?
End-to-end testing (E2E) is a software testing methodology that verifies the correct operation of a software product in a start-to-finish process, by checking that all the components of a system can function in real-life scenarios.
e2e testing focuses on the user's point of view, enabling QA teams to find software dependencies while validating the system under test, its data integrity and its integrations.
Unlike unit or integration tests, which check specific parts of the code, E2E tests simulate real-life usage scenarios to evaluate the application in its entirety.
End-to-end test types
1. Horizontal e2e test
Horizontal end-to-end testing covers the entire application.
A single test workflow can span several subsystems. In an e-commerce web application, for example, horizontal end-to-end testing may include :
- Connecting to a profile
- Use of search and navigation functions
- Adding an item to the shopping cart
- Saving the article
- Purchasing an item
- Enter shipping and credit card information
- Purchase confirmation
- Disconnection
2. Vertical e2e test
Vertical end-to-end testing breaks down the application into layers that you can test individually, and often precedes horizontal e2e testing.
Performing vertical end-to-end testing with UI subsystems allows you to methodically identify and correct bugs that may be found in each component.
Execution methods
Manual e2e tests
By providing a general understanding of what works and what doesn't when writing a test plan, manual e2e tests help in the early stages of the e2e testing process.
They enable testers to identify test cases based on real-life scenarios, and then automate them.
Automated e2e tests
Since a single action in a UI can lead to many other actions, automated testing is crucial for thorough end-to-end testing.
Automated e2e testing enables bugs to be detected faster and more consistently, as all code is checked against test cases each time new code is added.
e2e testing - the benefits
The fundamental advantages of e2e testing :
- Helps teams extend their test coverage by adding more detailed test cases.
- Ensures application performance by executing test cases based on end-user behavior.
- Helps teams reduce time-to-market by automating critical user paths.
Setting up End-to-End Testing
When it comes to implementing e2e tests, the process is generally as follows:
1. Test planning
Before starting, it is essential to clearly define the objectives of the e2e tests:
Identify critical scenarios: Determine the application's key functionalities.
Defining conditions for success: Establish clear criteria.
This step enables you to understand the requirements of the system as a whole, including the interactions between the various components.
2. Selecting an e2e test tool
Although manual e2e tests can be used to identify test cases, with today's complex systems it is necessary to enlist the help of an automated test tool.
This automation ensures that tests are carried out consistently and reliably as part of the deployment process, helping to identify problems early and continually improve software quality.
Tools for e2e testing include :
3. Test case design
The next step is to design test cases that cover all the system's key functionalities by simulating real-life use situations.
For example, some scenarios might include :
Forms and interactions : Validate forms, buttons and other interactive elements.
End-to-end transactions: Simulate complete transactions such as purchases or reservations.
This step involves creating detailed test scripts that include precise instructions on what needs to be checked at each stage of the process, and what results are expected.
It's also important to include checkpoints to ensure that data communicates correctly between the various system components.
4. Test execution
Run E2E tests in an environment that best reflects the production environment in order to :
Detect anomalies: Identify and correct bugs before deployment to production.
Validate performance: Make sure that the application works well under load and with real data.
5. Analysis of results
After the tests have been run, the results are analyzed to document the bugs found and track their resolution, and for the continuous improvement of development and testing processes.
Best practices for end-to-end testing (E2E)
Perform a second test: If a problem or fault is found, the data is recorded and analyzed to determine the source of the problem, then corrected and the system retested.
Follow data flow: Follow data flow between systems to find dependencies.
Keep a designated test order: Unit and integration tests should be carried out first, to correct the most obvious problems. Each component of the system should also be E2E tested.
Prioritize user experience: E2E tests should be created with users in mind, and should be carried out on features that are likely to cause the biggest problems.
Mr Suricate - e2e testing no code
By carrying out E2E testing methodically and armed with the right tools, companies can ensure that user paths function perfectly in real-life scenarios.
The no-code SaaS solution Mr Suricate solution covers a wide range of automated tests in order to control your testing and provide your users with the best possible experience.
Take control of your applications and detect bugs in real time on your websites, applications and APIs by reproducing your user journeys at regular intervals.
