Microservices Testing

Microservice testing encompasses Quality Assurance processes aimed at verifying the individual functionality and performance stability of each microservice, preventing their failures from causing significant functional breakdowns within the overall software system, and ensuring seamless operation across all microservices to function collectively as a unified application.

Key steps to test microservices:

• Design microservices testing process
• Test Preparation for Microservices
• Set up and customize test conditions
• Initiate test case/script creation for subsequent testing
• Streamline test data generation - manual or automated

Testing for microservices includes: functional testing across multiple levels, regular regression tests, performance assessment, and security checks.

Testing microservices squad: QA manager, manual & automated testers, automation architect.

Sfinitor offers comprehensive microservices testing services, encompassing expert consultancy and robust testing for optimal software quality assurance, catering to clientele needs.

Adept microservices testing relies on SDLC phase alignment and project-specific software mandates, tailoring strategies accordingly.

Still, based on Sfinitor’s portfolio of microservices testing projects, we can outline some universal steps to follow.

1. Microservices testing process design

Duration: Up to 1 week

• Assign a Quality Assurance (QA) manager for verifying the testability of your microservices' software specifications
• For effective microservice testing, a suitable set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) is essential. These could encompass metrics such as the count of defects detected and test cases/scripts formulated within each iteration, the granularity of test cases, and the maintainability and robustness of the test scripts themselves
• A well-structured risk mitigation strategy is essential for managing the specific risks incurred during a microservices testing endeavor

Optimal Strategy: Given the independent development and deployment of each microservice, Sfinitor often incorporates test engineers into multi-disciplinary microservice teams for seamless collaboration. This approach facilitates coordinated testing efforts and ensures priority alignment in testing activities.

2. Microservices testing preparation

Testing approaches for microservices vary depending on chosen sourcing models: in-house testing or outsourcing.

2.1 In-house testing

Duration: Up to 4 weeks

Test strategy, planning, and effort estimation involve assigning test engineers to individual microservices, with additional resources possibly allocated based on microservice architecture and functional complexity. This ensures thorough testing for optimal performance.

If you opt for an in-house microservices testing option, your QA manager should:

• Form a test squad, recruit seasoned test automation experts skilled in microservices testing; furthermore, provide relevant training to engineering testers as needed

While a test automation manager should:

• Prioritize automated testing for scenarios featuring repetitive, stable processes with large data volumes. Architect an efficient test automation structure for optimal results
• Choose, customize suitable automation tools and test frameworks for efficient testing
• Essential for microservice testing: Service Virtualization & API Mocking Tools Selection

In microservices testing projects, test automation is commonly preferred by Sfinitor's QA consultants due to its seamless alignment with the microservices-based architecture.

2.2 Outsourced Microservice Testing: Select suitable vendors

Duration: Up to 12 weeks

If you decide to outsource your microservices testing, during a testing vendor selection you should:

• Seek QA vendors proficient in microservices testing or having extensive experience in test automation
• Examine portfolios showcasing microservices software testing and test automation work
• Evaluate a testing vendor's toolkit and resource compatibility for your microservices app requirements and scalability needs
• Prioritize 3-5 vendors boasting pertinent practical expertise and adequate resources
• Seek pricing estimates and detailed testing methodologies from shortlisted vendors for microservices implementation. By doing so, you can evaluate each vendor's strategy for assembling a microservices test team, their plans for test automation integration, choice of testing tools, and ultimately, estimate the return on investment (ROI) for microservices testing
• Choose a reliable microservices testing provider to ensure high-quality delivery
• Agree on SLA terms and microservice testing fees, finalize collaboration agreement

3. Test Launch: Microservice Verification

Duration: Up to 2 weeks

To launch the microservices testing process, either an outsourced or an in-house testing team should:

• Test Environment Selection & Configuration
• Initiate test case and script creation process
• Switch to handcrafted or automated test data creation methods

Recommendation: Automate Regression Test Suites for all Microservices to streamline testing processes. The magnitude of regression tests per iteration grows proportionately with the number of microservices. Furthermore, a thorough Regression Test Suite for the entire software should be consistently executed following the deployment of each new microservice.