Cloud Testing Vs. Conventional Testing
Tags: cloudtesting, conventionaltesting, testgrid
Published: 2024-06-12 10:15:08

Cloud testing and conventional testing are two different approaches to software testing that differ in several aspects, including infrastructure, environment, scalability, cost, and flexibility.
Cloud testing is a software testing approach involving applications and systems over the cloud rather than on local hardware or in a physical testing environment. This approach allows for faster, more efficient testing, scalability, and flexibility.
Other hand in conventional testing evaluates the performance and functionality of a product, system, or service. It is a systematic process that involves planning, designing, executing, and evaluating tests to ensure that a product meets the specified requirements and performs as expected.

## What is Cloud Testing ?

In cloud testing, the test environment is typically hosted by a third-party provider and accessed via the internet. This means testers can remotely access the test environment from anywhere, at any time, and from any device. This is particularly useful for testing applications that need to be accessed from multiple devices or locations.
Cloud testing also allows for a more realistic testing environment, as it replicates the conditions and configurations of a production environment more closely. This helps identify and fix issues that may need to be evident in a local testing environment.

There are several types of cloud testing, including performance, load, and security. Performance testing involves testing the version of an application or system under normal and peak load conditions. 
Load testing involves simulating many users accessing the application or system to test its scalability and stability. Security testing involves testing the security of the application or system to ensure that it is protected against potential threats.

Overall, cloud testing is a powerful and practical approach to testing that can help organizations to improve the quality and reliability of their applications and systems.

A cloud computing platform offers various remote computing services, including software, hardware, and other computer-related services.

There are generally three main models of cloud computing:
**Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS**): This model involves providing infrastructure resources, such as servers, storage, and networking, over the internet. The client is responsible for installing and managing the operating system, middleware, and applications.

**Platform as a Service (PaaS)**: This model involves the provision of a platform for developing, testing, and deploying applications. The client is responsible for developing and maintaining the applications, while the provider handles the infrastructure and underlying platform.

**Software as a Service (SaaS)**: This model involves delivering software applications over the internet, typically on a subscription basis. The client does not need to install or maintain the software, as the provider manages it.

These three models can be used separately or in combination to meet an organization’s specific needs. Cloud computing allows organizations to scale their computing resources up or down as needed and pay only for the help they use rather than investing in and maintaining their infrastructure.

## Challenges Associated With Cloud Testing

Cloud testing refers to the process of testing applications, software, and services that are deployed in a cloud computing environment. 
The main goal of cloud testing is to ensure that the cloud-based applications, software, and services are working as expected and meet the required performance, security, and reliability standards.
However, cloud testing has its challenges. Some of the challenges associated with cloud testing are:

**Complexity**: Cloud testing can be quite complex due to cloud environments’ dynamic and distributed nature. Testing in a cloud environment requires a thorough understanding of the various components of the cloud infrastructure and how they interact.

**Lack of visibility**: One of the main challenges of cloud testing is the need for more visibility into the various components of the cloud infrastructure. It can be challenging to identify the root cause of a problem or issue when testing in a cloud environment due to the complexity and distributed nature of the infrastructure.

**Security concerns**: Security is a significant concern regarding cloud testing. It is essential to ensure that cloud-based applications and services are secure and that sensitive data is protected. This can be challenging as the cloud infrastructure is constantly changing and evolving.

**Compatibility issues**: Another challenge of cloud testing is ensuring that the applications and services tested are compatible with the cloud environment. This includes ensuring that the applications and services work correctly with different operating systems, browsers, and devices.

**Performance issues**: Performance is a critical factor in cloud testing. It is essential to ensure that the applications and services being tested can handle the expected load and meet the required performance standards. This can be challenging due to the dynamic nature of cloud environments and the need to test applications and services under various load conditions.

**Resource constraints**: Cloud testing can also be challenging due to resource constraints. For example, allocating the necessary resources, such as computing power and storage, can be challenging in supporting the testing process.

**Cost**: Testing in a cloud environment can also be expensive due to the cost of resources and the need to maintain a dedicated testing environment.

In conclusion, cloud testing requires a thorough understanding of the cloud infrastructure and its interaction with various components. It is also important to address security concerns, compatibility issues, performance issues, and resource constraints when testing in a cloud environment. 
Additionally, cloud testing can be expensive due to the cost of resources and the need to maintain a dedicated testing environment.

Read also: [Cloud Testing – Everything You Need to Know](https://testgrid.io/blog/cloud-testing/)

## What is Conventional Testing?

Conventional testing can be applied to various products, including software, hardware, and mechanical devices. It is typically performed by a team of testers who use specialized tools and techniques to conduct the tests. Conventional testing aims to identify defects or issues with the product and to ensure that it meets the specified quality standards.
There are several types of conventional testing, including functional, non-functional, and regression. Functional testing is used to evaluate the functionality of a product, ensuring that it performs as intended and meets the specified requirements. 

Non-functional testing is used to assess the performance and reliability of a product, including factors such as speed, scalability, and security. Regression testing ensures that changes to a product do not negatively impact its existing functionality.

Conventional testing is an essential part of the development process for any product. It helps identify defects and issues early in the development cycle, saving time and resources by reducing the need for costly repairs or later rework. 

It also helps to improve the overall quality and reliability of the product, which can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Overall, conventional testing is critical in developing any product, system, or service. It helps to ensure that the product meets the specified requirements and performs as expected, and it helps to improve the overall quality and reliability of the product.

Various types of testing can be performed, and the specific type of testing depends on the system’s needs and the stage of the development process.

**Manual testing**: Manual testing is when the tester manually executes test cases without using automation tools. It involves testing the software by manually performing actions, such as clicking buttons, entering data, and navigating through its various features. The tester then compares the actual and expected results to determine if the software works correctly. Manual testing is suitable for testing small-scale applications or applications unsuitable for automation.

**Automated testing**: Automated testing uses tools or software to execute test cases and compare the actual results with the expected results. Automated testing can be used for both functional and non-functional testing, and it is suitable for large-scale testing applications or applications requiring frequent regression testing. 

Automated testing can significantly reduce the necessary time and effort, eliminating the need for manual execution of test cases. Some standard automated testing tools are Selenium, HPE Unified Functional Testing (UFT), and TestComplete.

## Challenges Associated With Conventional Testing

Conventional testing, also known as traditional testing, evaluates a product or system by manually or automatically executing a test case and compares the results to the expected outcomes. While it is an essential part of the software development process, several challenges associated with conventional testing can make it time-consuming, costly, and prone to errors.

One of the main challenges of conventional testing is the time it takes to complete the testing process. In manual testing, test cases must be created manually, which can be a time-consuming process. 
In addition, executing test cases and comparing the results to the expected outcomes requires significant time and effort. This can be a problem for organizations under pressure to release products quickly or with tight deadlines.

Another challenge is the cost of conventional testing. It requires dedicated testers skilled in creating and executing test cases, which can be expensive. In addition, in the case of manual testing, the manual nature of the testing process means that it is more prone to errors, which can lead to costly rework and delays.

Another challenge is the limited scope of conventional testing. In the case of companies using manual testing methods, it is difficult to cover all possible scenarios and test cases manually, so some defects may only be detected once the product is released. This can lead to customer dissatisfaction and damage to the organization’s reputation.

Moreover, the manual nature of traditional testing means it needs to catch up with the fast pace of agile development, leading to delays and missed opportunities
.
In summary, the challenges associated with conventional testing include the following:

- The time and cost required to complete the testing process.
- The limited scope of testing.
- Its need for compatibility with agile development methods.

These challenges can make it difficult for organizations to ensure their products are of high quality and meet the needs of their customers.

## Cloud Testing Vs. Conventional Testing

- Cloud testing and conventional testing are two different approaches to testing software applications. Here is a comparison of the two:
- Cloud testing involves testing software applications on a cloud-based platform using cloud-based infrastructure and tools.
- Conventional testing involves testing software applications on physical infrastructure using locally installed tools and resources.
- In cloud testing, the test environment is set up on a cloud platform, and the tests are run from there. This allows testers to access the test environment from everywhere, as long as they have an internet connection.
- In conventional testing, the test environment is set up on physical servers or devices, and the tests are run from there. As a result, cloud testing can be more time-consuming and resource-intensive.
- In cloud testing, you only have to pay for what you use. It is more cost-effective than conventional testing, as testers do not need to invest in physical infrastructure or pay for maintenance.
- In conventional testing, the costs are high due to the requirements of hardware and software.
- One of the main advantages of cloud testing over conventional approaches is that it allows for flexibility and scalability. For example, testers can quickly spin up new test environments as needed and scale their testing efforts up or down based on the project’s requirements.
- Cloud testing also allows for faster testing than conventional testing, as testers do not need to wait for physical infrastructure to be set up or maintained.
In summary, cloud and conventional testing are two different approaches to testing software applications, each with advantages and disadvantages. Cloud testing offers flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness but can come with security concerns and vendor lock-in. Conventional testing provides more control and reliability but can be more expensive and less flexible.

## Conclusion

In conclusion, cloud and conventional testing are both methods used to ensure the quality and functionality of the software. Cloud testing involves testing software using cloud computing resources, while traditional testing involves testing software on physical devices or local servers. 
One advantage of cloud testing is that it allows for scalability and flexibility, as it can be easily accessed from any location and can handle many users. However, conventional testing may be more suitable for certain types of software, such as those with strict security or compliance requirements. 
Ultimately, the decision of whether to use cloud testing or conventional testing will depend on the software’s specific needs and conditions.
Source : _This blog is originally published at [TestGrid]_(https://testgrid.io/blog/cloud-testing-vs-conventional-testing/)