In a software development lifecycle (SDLC), the front end is the client-side part of a program, involving everything visible while using an app. Every web app comes with a three-tier architecture: client, server, and information system. The client comprises the presentation layer, which is tested by front end testers. They perform GUI testing to test the usability and functionality of the app or site. Basically, front end testers check web look and feel alignment with client needs. Front end testing covers a wide range of testing strategies. Read more about front end testing’s importance, types, challenges, and its comparison with back-end testing.
Front End Testing vs Back End Testing
The above paragraph puts light on front end testing. Like the front end, the back end part of testing is also crucial. The back end portion of an app covers the database and server-side layer. Like the front end, the back end testing doesn’t cover the app’s user interface (UI). It confirms if the database stores the right data or some data is visible on the UI. Back end testers also check if the database queries send the correct data. Have a look at some points of difference between back end and front end testing.
Skills and Knowledge
Front end testers need to have skills and knowledge about the client’s requirements and experience in automation frameworks. Contrary to it, back end testers should possess the right knowledge about SQL queries and databases.
Testing Stuff
Front end testers should know if the app’s GUI is error-free by checking elements, such as labels, buttons, or drop-down behavior. Back end testing covers database usage. Here, testers need to know if there is any data loss, deadlock, and corruption.
Tools
Grunt, Karma, and Mocha are some essential front end testing tools. On the other hand, Turbo Data and Data Generator are popular back end testing tools.
Why do We Need Front End Test?
Once you know the prime difference between front and back end testing, it is high time to know why we need front-end testing. End users rarely understand back end stuff works. They notice things only in case of some issues with the application’s UI. Every company wants to grow up and ensure a consistent customer experience. Any app performs well and offers accurate interaction when it is fast and run without error, irrespective of browser and devices. That is front end testing catches all eyes. Testers perform testing on multiple browsers and devices to ensure if an app is error-free and satisfies all testing criteria.
With the introduction of new criteria for usability and accessibility, it is mandatory to follow certain standards. Accessibility testing is an essential aspect of front end test, and it should be done before deploying a website. Moreover, the influx of the Internet of Things (IoT) into app development and the rising use of interconnected apps on digitally smart products ensure the value of front end testing. This testing is vital for check the app behavior of over multitier architecture. The following four are the prime reasons why front-end testing is crucial. These include:
- Detecting client-side performance issues
- Ensuring seamless integration of the 3rd party services
- Improving the quality of user interaction and experience
- Validating app behavior on various browsers and systems
The Most Common Front End Testing Challenges
We know, in web development, that front-end testing checks the functionality and usability of an app GUI. Frontend testing covers the test performance of an app or website in the end-user’s browser. Here, the prime need is to check frontend components, like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. There are also some UI testing challenges that testers encounter while automating front end UI testing.
Frequently Changing UI
Upgrading the core libraries and 3rd party libraries and their components every six months is one of the most challenging tasks testers face in the process of web app. Although testers have tested all components, a new upgrade will compel testers to test all the components again. Testers should respond quickly to UI changes and upgrade testing tools to make essential changes to various UI frameworks. Also, load testing tools with the latest APIs and functionalities in order to handle any upgrade-oriented issues.
Detecting Client-Side Performance Issues
Compromised workflows and a low-performing user interface will frustrate a user and create a sorry figure when it comes to performance. Slow page loading and redirecting pages will be a negative ranking factor. Page speed can force users to go to your competitors. Avoid this bad user experience
These client-side performance issues should be resolved by making the web app responsive. Here, use responsive CSS frameworks and AMP for mobile pages for a better experience.
Choosing an Automated UI Testing Tool
Many big companies or enterprises commit a mistake when it comes to choosing the right test automation frameworks for their front-end project. It is a big UI automation testing problem. Generally, companies choose tools from Selenium, Katalan Studio, TestCraft, or TestComplete. These tools allow testers to create tests fast, execute and maintain those tests easily. You can use a dynamic test model that you can constantly update to improve the development workflow, faster releases, and CI/CD integration.
Detecting Cross-Browsers Compatibility Issues
Front-end test lets you check the web app behavior on many browsers and devices. If your app doesn’t offer high quality on various platforms, you risk losing business. Make sure your app works on all devices and browsers for having a good user experience. Here, front-end testing ensures your app renders the same experience across all devices and browser engines. It will be good to use front-end frameworks and CSS Frameworks for designing cross-platform apps that support multiple browsers.
Types of Front End Tests
Front-end testing involves some practices that are compatible with the codebase and testing team. Look at some front-end testing types that are fit for your testing needs. Many software testing companies can help you get the best front end testing solutions. These companies can help you create a front-end testing plan.
- Acceptance testing helps testers test a system for acceptability
- Accessibility testing to ensure that everyone can access an application
- Cross-browser compatibility testing to have the same experience on different browsers
- End-to-end testing ensures that the app behaves according to expectations
- Integration testing combines other units and tests them as a group
- Performance testing determines the stability, responsiveness, and speed of a product.
- Unit testing helps testers test individual components of software or app
- Visual regression testing where testers use image comparison tools to detect differences between the two shots
QA and software testing experts can help you get the best testing solutions to fulfill your front-end needs.
