Salesforce Testing - Challenges And Solutions

By Author: Kuldeep Rana
Total Articles: 3
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In the era where time is money, none of the innovators like to waste any time and money to bridge the gap between the discovery of their idea and its implementation. Gone are the days when it took decades to transform a software idea into a working application and deliver it in the hands of the users, all thanks to the ideal CRM software, leading one of them being Salesforce.

Let’s get introduced to Salesforce.
Founded in 1999, now this fifth largest software company eliminated the need for never-ending installation formalities and costly processes by shifting all the tasks to the internet. With healthy customer relationships as their top priority, Salesforce offers cost-effective services not only till the installation, but this cloud-based CRM platform also assists its clients in digital marketing and delivering quality after-sales services to their respective customers.

Why Salesforce Testing?
It would be genuine to raise a question about the need for Salesforce testing because salesforce seems to be all perfect from its introduction. It saves cost, saves time, and offers a large pool of customizable ...
... set of services, so why testing.

But we need to understand that testing of a Salesforce-built product involves dual purpose, one is checking the self-created codes instead of using the built-in Salesforce structures and the other being testing the compatibility and user acceptance of the product. Thus, Salesforce testing is more or less similar to other Types of software testing.

Salesforce Function Testing
This is the first phase of testing where the tester needs to ensure smooth functioning of the features created through both- the Salesforce built-in options as well as self-created codes. Also, this step includes the usual software testing practices, such as checking for any worms or bugs and making the working of the software quick and error-free.

Testing User Acceptance
This second phase of testing involves placing the tester in the shoes of the actual user and checking the compatibility of the software with various platforms. UAT includes testing about the interoperability of software on various browsers and operating systems. This phase should also rule out any issues in user-friendliness and must ensure the sound working of the software in all probable business sectors for which it is created. This testing is script-based and it is performed by the end-users of the software who check its efficiency and suitability for the desired task. It is the final level of testing.

Levels of Salesforce testing

Unit Testing: At the first level, each individual unit of the software is tested to ensure the efficiency of each unit. Defects in coding can be figured out promptly wherever they occur. The APEX codes (coding language in which Salesforce is developed) are created in such a way that each unit tests its respective coverage automatically.

System Testing: Unlike Unit testing, this level of testing involves complete integrated testing of the software created and this task can not be performed automatically, rather it is done by expert Salesforce personnel to check if the system meets the required specifications.

Production Testing: This task is the repetition of previous system testing, now in the production environment, which is continuously monitored to prevent and prepare for any defects or errors in deployment.

Regression Testing: Regression testing involves the re-testing of already tested cases wholly or partially to be sure of its efficient working. This step eliminates the possibilities of side-effects of any alteration or addition in coding on the existing coding. Thus, it ensures the effective working of old scripts even when new scripts are added. This type of testing is usually automated using tools like Selenium WebDriver

Sandbox Environment- What and Why:
Under this method of testing, a part or parts of the untested coding changes in the software are isolated from the production environment to test and evaluate those codes independently to ensure proper functioning when they are united back in the production environment.

‘Sandbox testing is the ideal technique for Salesforce testing’ as this creates a separate operational environment that facilitates testing without affecting any already running programs. Salesforce launches upgraded versions of its services regularly so sandbox testing helps in prior testing of those updations before attaching them to our already functioning codes

Kuldeep is the founder and lead author of ArtOfTesting. He is skilled in test automation, performance testing, big data, and CI-CD. He brings his decade of experience to his current role where he is dedicated to educating the QA professionals. You can find him on LinkedIn.