Provar and Copado are prominent Salesforce test automation tools.&nbsp;



Provar is known for its end-to-end test automation capability, its codeless environment, and also the support for functional and regression testing for Salesforce applications.&nbsp;



Copado, on the other hand, is a more general DevOps solution, with test automation included in its set of tools designed for CI/CD within Salesforce.



However, both Provar and Copado have their own limitations as well.&nbsp;



Provar is tightly coupled with Salesforce metadata. Although this tight coupling allows for detailed testing, it also makes it hard when there are big updates within the Salesforce metadata.&nbsp;



Copado has a pretty good framework for integration with the pipeline for CI/CD with more focus on deployment and version control. However, its test automation features may not have the advanced capabilities and flexibility of a dedicated testing tool.



Hence, it’s always wise to look for a better alternative for <a href="https://testsigma.com/tools/salesforce-automation-testing-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salesforce test automation tools</a> like Provar and Copado.&nbsp;



In this article, let’s discuss what each of these tools brings to the table, the major differences between them, and the best alternative to Provar and Copado.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Provar_vs_Copado_8211_Overview">1 Provar vs Copado &#8211; Overview</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_Provarnbsp">1.1 What is Provar?&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_Copado">1.2 What is Copado?</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Provar_vs_Copado_8211_Comparison_Table">2 Provar vs Copado &#8211; Comparison Table</a></li><li><a href="#Which_is_the_best_alternative_tool_for_Copado_and_Provar">3 Which is the best alternative tool for Copado and Provar?</a></li><li><a href="#Provar_vs_Copado_8211_Salesforce_Test_Automation_Comparison">4 Provar vs Copado &#8211; Salesforce Test Automation Comparison</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">5 Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">6 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#Can_we_migrate_test_data_from_Provar_or_Copado_to_Testsigma">6.1 Can we migrate test data from Provar or Copado to Testsigma?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-provar-vs-copado-overview">Provar vs Copado &#8211; Overview</h2>



Provar and Copado are two prominent tools in the Salesforce test automation space, with differences in terms of features and use cases. Let’s discuss each of them in more detail.



<h3 id="h-what-is-provar">What is Provar?&nbsp;</h3>



Provar is a test automation tool that can be used for Salesforce applications as well.



<ul><li>&nbsp;It offers a codeless interface so that the test case can be created, executed, and managed efficiently without any barrier, whether one is technical or not.&nbsp;</li><li>The unique selling point of Provar is its profound integration with Salesforce; that is how it supports different types of business processes, custom objects, and configurations. This integration ensures that the tests are relevant and accurate.&nbsp;</li><li>Provar also supports functional and regression testing so that new changes do not disrupt existing functionalities.&nbsp;</li><li>Besides being user-friendly, Provar also offers advanced features such as data-driven testing, parameterization, and reusable test components.</li></ul>



Check out the list of <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/provar-alternatives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">best Provar alternative tools</a>.



<h3 id="h-what-is-copado">What is Copado?</h3>



Copado is an all-inclusive DevOps platform.&nbsp;



<ul><li>It is built for maximizing efficiency in Salesforce development processes and deployments.&nbsp;</li><li>Even though the main goal of the platform is to offer robust version control, deployment management, and continuous integration/delivery, test automation is another essential aspect of its overall suite.&nbsp;</li><li>As far as the Salesforce test automation is concerned, Copado weaves automated testing as part of the change pipeline, and every time a new change is deployed, the test gets automatically executed.&nbsp;</li><li>While not as extensive as dedicated testing tools, the test automation features of Copado are more than sufficient to bring essential testing into the development workflow.&nbsp;</li><li>Copado automates the testing in the deployment pipeline, which means teams can bring new features and updates to their Salesforce applications at a much faster pace &#8211; none of which comes at the expense of quality.</li></ul>



Check out the <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/copado-alternatives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">best Copado alternative tools</a>.



<h2 id="h-provar-vs-copado-comparison-table">Provar vs Copado &#8211; Comparison Table</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Feature</td><td>Provar</td><td>Copado</td></tr><tr><td>Coding Requirement</td><td>Requires basic coding knowledge (Metadata &amp; SOQL)</td><td>Codeless, visual interface</td></tr><tr><td>Salesforce Test Automation</td><td>Supported</td><td>Supported</td></tr><tr><td>Test Creation</td><td>Manual script creation with drag-and-drop components</td><td>AI-powered recording and generation of test cases</td></tr><tr><td>Test Maintenance</td><td>Can be challenging as scripts may break with UI changes</td><td>Self-healing tests adapt to minor UI changes</td></tr><tr><td>Target Users</td><td>Technical testers, developers</td><td>Business users, admins, and technical testers</td></tr><tr><td>Scalability</td><td>Requires additional setup for parallel test execution</td><td>Built-in parallel test execution</td></tr><tr><td>Integration</td><td>Integrates with CI/CD tools like Jenkins</td><td>Native integration with Copado DevOps platform</td></tr><tr><td>Reporting</td><td>Customizable reports and dashboards</td><td>Integrated reports and dashboards within Copado</td></tr><tr><td>Pricing</td><td>Subscription-based, tailored to the number of users</td><td>Subscription-based, various plans available</td></tr><tr><td>Support for Other Platforms</td><td>Supports other platforms like Salesforce, SAP, and web apps</td><td>Primarily focused on Salesforce testing</td></tr><tr><td>Open Source</td><td>Proprietary</td><td>Based on Selenium</td></tr><tr><td>Community</td><td>Smaller community compared to Copado</td><td>Larger and active community with extensive resources</td></tr><tr><td>Learning Curve</td><td>Steeper learning curve due to coding requirements</td><td>Easier to learn due to the codeless interface</td></tr><tr><td>Test Data Management</td><td>Robust test data management features</td><td>Test data management included in the Copado platform</td></tr><tr><td>Mobile Testing</td><td>Supports mobile testing</td><td>Limited support for mobile testing</td></tr><tr><td>Customer Support</td><td>Dedicated customer support</td><td>Community and ticket-based support</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<h2 id="h-which-is-the-best-alternative-tool-for-copado-and-provar">Which is the best alternative tool for Copado and Provar?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1600" height="980" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/28193422/testsigma-2.png" alt="Testsigma - Test automation platform" class="wp-image-45760" srcset="https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/28193422/testsigma-2.png 1600w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/28193422/testsigma-2-768x470.png 768w, https://s3.amazonaws.com/blog-assets-production.testsigma.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/28193422/testsigma-2-1536x941.png 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /></figure>



<a href="https://testsigma.com/">Testsigma</a> is an AI-powered test automation tool considered the best alternative to both Copado and Provar. It uniquely bundles simplicity, power, and flexibility for Salesforce test automation. Its cloud-based, low-code approach empowers teams to easily create and run complete test suites without requiring extensive coding expertise. You can easily create test cases in Testsigma using the natural English language or even automatically record test cases based on actions done on a Salesforce application.



Here’s a complete list of the <a href="https://testsigma.com/tools/salesforce-automation-testing-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">best Salesforce testing tools</a>.



Key Features and Capabilities of Testsigma for Salesforce Test Automation:



<ol><li>Low-Code Test Creation: Testsigma allows for test case creation using simple English or by recording user interactions, hence it is accessible to testers of all skills.</li><li>Salesforce-Specific Elements: It has built-in support for Salesforce-specific elements and APIs. It ensures that the testing of your salesforce applications takes place efficiently, precisely, and reliably.</li><li>Cross-Browser and Cross-Device Testing: Testsigma empowers you to run your Salesforce tests on different browsers and devices to offer consistency in user experience.</li><li>Data-driven testing: In Testsigma, tests can be parameterized with desired data sets or scenarios so as to make the test data-driven.</li><li>Integration with Salesforce Ecosystem: Testsigma integrates seamlessly with your Salesforce sandbox and production environments whereby, making all the test management and test execution simple.</li><li>CI/CD integration: It integrates with CI/CD pipelines making the process of testing automated and continuous resulting in quality builds.</li><li>AI-powered test maintenance: Testsigma uses AI to automatically spot and update tests when Salesforce UI changes, reducing maintenance efforts.</li><li>Comprehensive Reporting: Get detailed test reports and insights into test results, helping you pinpoint issues and improve your testing strategy.</li><li>Collaboration: It allows the team members to collaborate with features like shared test repositories, comments, and real-time updates.&nbsp;</li><li>Scalability: Testsigma&#8217;s cloud infrastructure and parallel testing capabilities allow one to scale the testing process as the salesforce application grows.</li></ol>



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<h2 id="h-provar-vs-copado-salesforce-test-automation-comparison">Provar vs Copado &#8211; Salesforce Test Automation Comparison</h2>



While Provar and Copado are both powerful tools for test automation in Salesforce, they vary significantly by approach, capability, and target user. The right tool for you will depend on your team&#8217;s skill set, testing requirements, and budget. In this regard, here is a comparison between Provar and Copado in terms of Salesforce test automation:



<ol><li>Test Creation Approach: Provar mainly relies on the manual creation of scripts with drag-and-drop components. In comparison, Copado uses AI-based test case generation and recording.</li><li>Coding Expertise: In-depth knowledge of Salesforce Metadata and SOQL is required for Provar for creating test scripts. With Copado, it&#8217;s codeless and thus doesn&#8217;t require any expertise in coding.</li><li>Test Maintenance: Provar tests, being tightly coupled with the Salesforce UI, may require more frequent updates due to changes to this UI. Tests created within Copado, on the other hand, use self-healing technology. This technology automatically flexes to minor changes in the UI.</li><li>Test Execution: Additional configurations are required in Provar for parallel test execution. In contrast, parallel testing is out-of-the-box for Copado, allowing it to deliver results much quicker than Provar.</li><li>Deployment Integration: Provar integrates relatively easily with most known CI/CD tools, such as Jenkins. Copado can integrate seamlessly with its own DevOps platform for easier deployment processes.</li><li>Reporting and Analytics: Both offer good reporting features, but Copado&#8217;s reports are natively integrated within its platform, so it&#8217;s a bit more unified.</li><li>Target Audience: Provar targets more technical testers and developers with some coding skills. At the same time, Copado has no technical requirements for its users as it is pretty user-friendly.</li><li>Customization: Provar allows maximum customization and flexibility in creating test scripts. On the other hand, Copado offers out-of-box Salesforce-specific test components to design faster tests.</li><li>Test Data Management: Both Provar and Copado provide comprehensive test data management capabilities.</li><li>Mobile testing: Provar has robust support for mobile testing of Salesforce applications, on the other hand, Copado&#8217;s mobile testing capabilities are fairly limited.</li><li>Community and Support: Copado has a larger, active community with proper resources, while Provar supports the customers via a small but very dedicated customer support team.</li></ol>



<h2 id="h-conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



To sum up, the choice of the best Salesforce test automation tool depends on your exact needs and priorities.&nbsp;



Provar provides comprehensive Salesforce integration and solid testing features for those seeking deep, codeless test automation.&nbsp;



On the other hand, Copado allows for a more holistic DevOps solution with integrated test automation for automating Salesforce testing processes.&nbsp;



However, Testsigma combines the power of both Provar and Copado and much more. It is a versatile option with an intuitive no-code interface and provides AI-driven capabilities and seamless CI/CD for deep test automation for Salesforce applications as well as other web, mobile, and API-based applications.



<h2 id="h-frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



<h3 id="h-can-we-migrate-test-data-from-provar-or-copado-to-testsigma">Can we migrate test data from Provar or Copado to Testsigma?</h3>



Migrating your test cases from Provar or Copado to Testsigma is quite easy and simple. You can export your existing test cases and test data from Provar or Copado into formats like CSV or JSON. Testsigma provides support for data-driven testing and you can easily import these files and parameterize your Testsigma test cases with the exported data. Moreover, for custom integration in case of more complex migration use cases, you can always use Testsigma&#8217;s flexible API.

Provar vs Copado | Which is Best for Salesforce Test Automation?

ACCELQ vs Tosca – Which One You Should Choose?

Testing mobile phone number fields sounds simple and it is, but it can be complex if multiple locations (countries) are supported. Phone number formats are often different depending on the country or nation. Supported locations make a difference when testing phone number formats, number entry patterns, and error messaging based on type and location.



<a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/what-is-test-case/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Test cases</a> for mobile numbers vary based on a user&#8217;s global location (country). The application design or requirements are likely based on a specific location or multiple locations. If your documentation doesn’t specify, ask the product manager, designer, or developer for all supported locations to test against.&nbsp;







<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_a_Mobile_Number_Field">1 What is a Mobile Number Field</a></li><li><a href="#Test_Cases_For_the_Mobile_Number_Field">2 Test Cases For the Mobile Number Field</a></li><li><a href="#Manual_and_Automatednbsp">3 Manual and Automated&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="#Summary">4 Summary</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">5 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_are_the_negative_test_cases_for_the_phone_number_field">5.1 What are the negative test cases for the phone number field?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-a-mobile-number-field">What is a Mobile Number Field</h2>



A mobile number field is a representation of a user’s phone number. The format, style, and characters accepted change based on specific application requirements and whether the application is using the E.164 (The International Public Telecommunication Numbering Plan) standard and/or the NANP (North American Numbering Plan).&nbsp;



Test cases for mobile phones need to consider both the <a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/globalization/locale/telephone-numbers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">E.164 and NANP</a> if the application is sold globally. The E.164 sets a number limit of 15 characters including a three-digit country code. All nations using the NANP have a country code of 1 and a ten-digit number character limit. The first set of numbers represent the country code followed by the regional code and then the phone number.&nbsp;



<h2 id="test-cases-for-the-mobile-number-field">Test Cases For the Mobile Number Field</h2>



Phone number test cases are assumed in this blog to support both the E.164 and the NANP. We’ve listed the valid test cases first, followed by a few suggested tests for negative or error messaging testing.&nbsp;



Mobile number test cases for functional testing include:



<ul><li>Verify the mobile phone field exists and accepts data entry.</li><li>Enter a valid phone format for a specific location (US and other nations)<ul><li>Verify the user must include the country or area code.&nbsp;</li><li>Verify NANP standards apply to the United States, Canada, and Jamaica.</li><li>Verify E-164 standards apply to all other countries.&nbsp;</li><li>Verify any countries that don’t follow the E-164 standard.&nbsp;</li></ul></li><li>Copy and paste a valid number from a different form field.</li><li>If the mobile number field is required, verify there is a visual indicator to let the user know valid data must be entered.</li><li>Depending on the field design, including special characters to separate numbers like parentheses and dashes:<ul><li>Example: (202) 444-9876.</li></ul></li><li>If the application uses drop down selectors, select a valid country and enter a valid number for that location.</li><li>Select the country code dropdown and view the list of supported country formats.&nbsp;<ul><li>Verify the list is in alphabetical order for easier viewing.&nbsp;</li><li>Verify the number selected displays in the field as expected.&nbsp;</li></ul></li><li>Test that the tab order stops in the mobile phone field and allows the user to enter a valid number.&nbsp;</li><li>View the field and check that it aligns as expected with other fields and within a group.&nbsp;</li></ul>



Mobile number negative test cases include:



<ul><li>Exceeding the allowed character limit.</li><li>Entering a correct country or area code with an invalid number for that location.</li><li>Enter an invalid country or area code with a valid number.</li><li>Enter in numeric characters with alpha characters.<ul><li>Example: 1404abc9877.</li></ul></li><li>Enter a valid country code and a phone number that’s one or more numbers to short for the selected location.&nbsp;</li><li>Enter a valid country code and a phone number that exceeds the character limit for the location.</li><li>Enter a valid phone number but include various special characters (!@#$%^&amp;*())<ul><li>Example: 1720(3457)</li><li>Example: 005588#</li></ul></li><li>Enter as many characters as the field allows up to 100.&nbsp;<ul><li>This test sounds silly, but it’s a good way to verify that the application is coded to avoid mass data entry.&nbsp;</li></ul></li><li>Enter a scripted SQL or HTML coded string.&nbsp;<ul><li>This test checks that the field does not execute code.&nbsp;</li><li>Example: 18084560&lt;bold&gt;97&lt;/bold&gt;</li></ul></li><li>If the mobile phone field is required, try to enter and save information without filling it in.&nbsp;<ul><li>Optionally, try filling the mobile phone field with invalid data or partial valid numbers.&nbsp;</li></ul></li></ul>



For each negative test case, verify an error message is triggered indicating the error so the user can understand the problem and make corrections. Remember it’s good practice to have a peer or developer to <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-case-review/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">review test cases</a> when possible. The better the test case, the better the test coverage.&nbsp;



<h2 id="manual-and-automated">Manual and Automated&nbsp;</h2>



The table below gives you an example of typical test scenarios for creating manual test cases for mobile numbers:



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Test ID</td><td>Description</td><td>Expected Result</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Verify the mobile phone field exists and accepts data entry.</td><td>Confirm the field exists and is enabled to allow users to enter data.&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Enter a valid phone format for each specific location format supported.&nbsp;</td><td>Verify each supported format allows users to enter a valid phone number into the field without resulting in an error.&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>If the application uses drop down selectors, select a valid country and enter a valid number for that location.</td><td>Select each drop down option in turn and verify it matches with a valid phone number.&nbsp;Confirm no error messages are generated.&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>Test that the tab order stops in the mobile phone field and allows the user to enter a valid number.</td><td>Tab through the form or page fields and verify it lands as expected in the mobile phone field.&nbsp;Enter a valid number and verify no errors are generated.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



The above table is a sampling only. You can write as many test cases as you need to cover requirements and standard functionality within your application. Additionally, you can create test cases in a design that fits with your development and QA team.&nbsp;



Creating test cases for mobile phones are excellent candidates for test automation. For creating test cases for mobile phones consider using Low code test automation platform, Testsigma and organize your tests in the following modular flow as below:



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Test ID</td><td>Description</td><td>Expected Result</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Click into the mobile phone field.&nbsp;Enter test data for a valid US based phone number: 1+(309)665-9087</td><td>Validate the correct phone number displays and is saved without error.&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Click into the mobile phone field. Enter test data for a valid UK phone number: +44&nbsp; 20 7123 4567 NOTE: Consider using Testsigma’s automation tool to run through all valid formats in a single test. Add validation points for each valid type.&nbsp;</td><td>Validate the correct phone number displays and is saved without error.&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Create a test script that enters all required fields with valid data including the mobile phone field.&nbsp; Click the Save/Submit button when all fields are filled.&nbsp;</td><td>Verify for each supported format type the application enters valid data into the database and saves/submits without error.&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>In the application form, enter valid phone numbers for each supported location type but leave off at least one digit.</td><td>Validate each supported format type generates the correct error message.&nbsp; Enter a validation point for each format’s specific error message.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



Note, the above is a sample. You can learn how to use Testsigma to create automated scripts for each manual functional test &#8211; both positive and negative. Remember to create the relevant test data and ensure the data can be reset or refreshed for future automated test execution runs.&nbsp;



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<h2 id="summary">Summary</h2>



Phone number test cases at first seem quite easy and simple. However, once you start testing for all supported formats, there is a great deal of testing to cover. Due to mobile phone number test cases being repetitive, consider using Testsigma to create automated test scripts.&nbsp;



The first step for either automated or manual testing is understanding the relevant requirements and creating a thorough set of test data.&nbsp;



Testers don’t have the luxury of time to continually look up valid phone numbers for every location or country/region. Save your testing time by creating a full set of valid numbers or generating them using a test automation tool. Ensure you have fully covered testing in the field using both positive, negative, and error messaging test cases.&nbsp;



<h2 id="frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



<h3 id="what-are-the-negative-test-cases-for-the-phone-number-field">What are the negative test cases for the phone number field?</h3>



Test cases for mobile numbers are considered negative whenever the format or character type is invalid. A negative test can also be a violation of the character length.

How to write Test cases for mobile number

Accelq vs Selenium – Which One You Should Choose?

Scriptless Test Automation | What , Why it Matters & Examples

Desk checking is an essential technique in software development and testing that involves a thorough manual review of source code. It is one of the first lines of defense against bugs and errors, providing a unique opportunity for developers and testers to understand and verify code before it proceeds to more formal testing phases. This technique not only aids in detecting errors but also enhances the overall quality and reliability of the software product.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_Desk_Checking_in_software_testing">1 What is Desk Checking in software testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Advantages_of_Desk_Checking">2 Advantages of Desk Checking</a></li><li><a href="#Best_Practices_in_Desk_Checking">3 Best Practices in Desk Checking</a></li><li><a href="#Use_Case_Desk_Checking_for_an_E-commerce_Application">4 Use Case: Desk Checking for an E-commerce Application</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">5 Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-desk-checking-in-software-testing">What is Desk Checking in software testing?</h2>



In the realm of <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/software-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">software testing</a>, desk checking is considered a static testing method where code is analyzed manually without executing it. The process involves a developer or a tester going through the code line by line to check for logical errors, syntax inconsistencies, and compliance with coding standards and requirements. This method can be conducted by the coder who wrote the software, a peer, or a testing professional, often involving discussions or sessions where the logic and approach of the code are debated and scrutinized.



<h2 id="advantages-of-desk-checking">Advantages of Desk Checking</h2>



Desk checking offers multiple advantages that make it an invaluable tool in the software development lifecycle:



<ol><li>Early Error Detection: By identifying errors at an early stage, desk checking helps in mitigating the costs associated with later stages of testing and maintenance.</li><li>Improved Code Quality: As errors are detected and fixed early, the overall quality of the code improves, leading to more stable and reliable software.</li><li>Enhanced Understanding: This technique provides testers and developers with a deeper understanding of the code&#8217;s functionality and logic, which is crucial for effective testing and maintenance.</li><li>Cost&#8211;Effective: It is a cost-effective method of testing as it does not require any additional tools or software and can significantly reduce the future costs of debugging and development.</li><li>Facilitates Collaboration: Desk checking often involves multiple members of the development team, fostering better communication and collaboration, and shared understanding of the project goals and methodologies.</li></ol>



<h2 id="best-practices-in-desk-checking">Best Practices in Desk Checking</h2>



To maximize the effectiveness of desk checking, consider the following best practices:



<ol><li>Include Diverse Team Members: Engage individuals from different backgrounds such as development, testing, and design to provide multiple perspectives.</li><li>Prepare and Plan: Ensure that the code is well-documented and that all necessary materials (such as requirements, design documents, and coding standards) are available before the session.</li><li>Use Checklists: Develop checklists based on common error patterns in previous projects to ensure that critical aspects are not overlooked.</li><li>Record Findings: Document all observations and decisions made during the desk check for future reference and action.</li><li>Follow Up: It’s essential to address the findings from desk checking promptly. Plan follow-up sessions if needed to verify that corrections are properly implemented.</li></ol>



While conducting desk checks, there are certain pitfalls that need to be avoided:



<ol><li>Overlooking Complexity: Complex pieces of code should be given extra attention and might require more time or a different approach to thoroughly understand and check.</li><li>Bias: There can be a tendency to overlook errors in one&#8217;s own code or to not critique a peer’s code thoroughly. An unbiased approach is critical.</li><li>Inadequate Preparation: Without proper preparation, desk checking sessions can be less productive. Participants should be well-prepared with a good understanding of the code and related documents.</li><li>Lack of Engagement: All participants should be actively involved in the process to provide insights and identify potential issues.</li></ol>



<h2 id="use-case-desk-checking-for-an-e-commerce-application">Use Case: Desk Checking for an E-commerce Application</h2>



Scenario:



An e-commerce company is developing a new feature for their online shopping platform that allows users to apply multiple discount codes at checkout. The development team has just completed the initial coding phase of this feature.



Steps:



<ul><li>Preparation: <ul><li>Developer prepares the code and documentation, including the logic flow and any assumptions made during development. </li><li>A meeting is called to conduct the desk check.</li></ul></li><li>Initial Review:<ul><li>Developer presents the code, explaining the logic they implemented to handle multiple discount codes and how they interact with existing features like promotional discounts and loyalty points.</li><li>QA engineer reviews the code line by line, checking for logical consistency and adherence to the requirements specified in the design document.</li></ul></li><li>Identification of Issues:<ul><li>QA engineer identifies a section of the code that could lead to a race condition where two discounts are applied simultaneously in a way that exceeds the total cart value.</li><li>BA’s acknowledge the oversight and discuss possible solutions with developers.</li></ul></li><li>Resolution and Action Items:<ul><li>The team agrees on a strategy to modify the code to handle exceptions more gracefully, including adding additional checks for discount combinations that are not allowed.</li><li>Developer takes notes on all feedback and agrees to revise the code accordingly. They schedule a follow-up session for the team to review the changes.</li></ul></li><li>Documentation and Follow-up:<ul><li>QA engineer documents the findings and the agreed-upon action items in the project&#8217;s issue tracking system.</li><li>Project manager updates the project timeline to include additional time for re-testing the updated feature.</li></ul></li><li>Code Revision and Re-check:<ul><li>Developer revises the code, incorporating all feedback. Once the updates are made, he invites the team for a second desk check.</li><li>The team reviews the revised code, confirming that all previously identified issues have been resolved effectively.</li></ul></li><li>Final Approval and Move to Testing:<ul><li>QA engineer prepares to conduct <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/formal-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">formal testing</a>, including both automated and manual test cases, to ensure the feature works as expected under various scenarios.</li></ul></li></ul>



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<h2 id="conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



Desk checking is a fundamental practice in the testing strategy of any software development project. It not only helps in identifying and fixing errors early but also promotes a deeper understanding of the code among team members. By adhering to best practices and being mindful of common pitfalls, teams can effectively leverage desk checking to enhance software quality and reduce development time and costs. As technology evolves, the principles of desk checking remain relevant, underscoring its importance in achieving high-quality software products.

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