Article

Checkpoints

August 15, 2023

Learn about checkpoints and how their are used in the software development and QA testing process.

Learn about checkpoints and how their are used in the software development and QA testing process.

What does 'checkpoint' mean in testing

In the context of software development, testing in checkpoints refers to the practice of conducting testing activities at specific checkpoints or milestones throughout the development process. These checkpoints are typically defined based on project phases, such as the completion of specific features or modules.

Testing in checkpoints helps ensure that the software is functioning correctly and meeting the desired requirements at each stage of development. It involves executing various tests, such as unit testing, integration testing, and system testing, to identify and address any issues or bugs before progressing to the next checkpoint.

By conducting testing in checkpoints, developers can catch and resolve issues early on, preventing them from escalating into larger problems later in the development cycle. It allows for iterative improvements and provides feedback on the software's stability, functionality, and performance at different stages of development.

What are different types of checkpoints

There are different types of checkpoints that can be used in software development. The specific checkpoints and their names may vary depending on the development methodology or framework being followed. Here are a few common types of checkpoints:

  1. Milestone Checkpoints: These checkpoints are typically based on project milestones or key deliverables. They mark significant progress points in the development process, such as the completion of a major feature, module, or phase.
  2. Feature Checkpoints: These checkpoints focus on specific features or functionalities within the software. They ensure that each feature is developed, tested, and integrated properly before moving on to the next checkpoint.
  3. Integration Checkpoints: Integration checkpoints verify the successful integration of different components or modules of the software. They ensure that the individual parts of the system work together as intended and are properly integrated into a cohesive whole.
  4. Regression Checkpoints: Regression checkpoints involve running tests to check for any unintended side effects or regression issues introduced by recent changes or updates. They ensure that the software continues to function correctly after modifications and updates have been made.
  5. User Acceptance Checkpoints: User acceptance checkpoints involve testing the software from the end-user's perspective. It allows users or stakeholders to evaluate the software against their requirements and provide feedback before finalizing the development.
  6. Performance Checkpoints: Performance checkpoints focus on evaluating the performance and efficiency of the software. This may involve stress testing, load testing, or performance profiling to ensure the software can handle expected workloads and meet performance expectations.

These are just a few examples of the different types of checkpoints used in software development. The specific checkpoints and their frequency can be tailored to the specific needs and requirements of the development project.


About the author

author photo: Tamas Cser

Tamas Cser

FOUNDER & CTO

Tamas Cser is the founder, CTO, and Chief Evangelist at Functionize, the leading provider of AI-powered test automation. With over 15 years in the software industry, he launched Functionize after experiencing the painstaking bottlenecks with software testing at his previous consulting company. Tamas is a former child violin prodigy turned AI-powered software testing guru. He grew up under a communist regime in Hungary, and after studying the violin at the University for Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, toured the world playing violin. He was bitten by the tech bug and decided to shift his talents to coding, eventually starting a consulting company before Functionize. Tamas and his family live in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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