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Agile Testing

Agile Testing is a continuous testing approach aligned with Agile development, where testing is integrated throughout the lifecycle and performed iteratively within each sprint.

Agile testing answers: “How do we ensure quality continuously while delivering fast?”

1. Definition

Agile Testing is a continuous testing approach aligned with Agile development, where testing is integrated throughout the lifecycle and performed iteratively within each sprint.

Agile testing answers: “How do we ensure quality continuously while delivering fast?”

2. Core Principles of Agile Testing

  • Testing starts early and continues throughout development
  • Whole team owns quality (QA, Dev, BA, PO)
  • Frequent feedback and rapid adaptation
  • Working software over heavy documentation
  • Customer collaboration and acceptance focus

3. Agile Testing Lifecycle (Within a Sprint)

  1. Backlog refinement (story review)
  2. Sprint planning (test scope & risks)
  3. Test design (scenarios & cases)
  4. Test execution (parallel with dev)
  5. Defect triage & fixes
  6. Sprint review (acceptance)
  7. Retrospective (process improvement)

4. Role of Manual Tester in Agile

During Backlog Refinement

  • Clarify requirements and acceptance criteria
  • Identify test scenarios and risks

During Sprint

  • Design and execute tests continuously
  • Perform exploratory, regression, and sanity testing
  • Log and verify defects quickly

During Review & Retrospective

  • Validate acceptance
  • Share quality insights and improvements

5. Test Artifacts in Agile

  • User stories & acceptance criteria
  • Test scenarios (lightweight)
  • Test cases (as needed)
  • Checklists and exploratory notes
  • Defect reports

6. Types of Testing Common in Agile (Manual)

  • Story-level functional testing
  • Regression testing (incremental)
  • Exploratory testing
  • Usability and acceptance testing
  • Non-functional checks (conceptual/manual)

7. Agile Testing vs Traditional Testing

Aspect Agile Testing Traditional Testing
Timing Continuous Phase-based
Documentation Lightweight Heavy
Feedback Immediate Late
Change handling Embraced Costly

8. Entry & Exit Criteria in Agile (Practical)

Entry:

  • Story ready (clear acceptance criteria)
  • Environment available

Exit (Definition of Done):

  • Acceptance criteria met
  • No critical defects
  • Tests executed and reviewed

9. Challenges for Manual Testers

  • Incomplete requirements
  • Tight timelines
  • Frequent changes
  • Regression pressure each sprint

Mitigation: strong collaboration, prioritization, exploratory testing.

10. Common Mistakes

  • Treating Agile as “no documentation”
  • Testing only at sprint end
  • Ignoring regression
  • Poor acceptance criteria

11. Interview-Ready Answers

Short answer:

Agile testing is a continuous testing approach integrated into Agile development, ensuring quality in every sprint.

Detailed answer:

Agile testing involves early and continuous testing aligned with iterative development, emphasizing collaboration, fast feedback, and acceptance of change.

12. Key Takeaway

Agile Testing ensures quality keeps pace with speed, delivering value every sprint without compromising reliability.