Software developers might have to check several applications or websites in a day. In our digital world, where hundreds of applications are created daily, traditional sequential testing methods are no longer sufficient to support the workload. That’s why developers now use parallel testing to reduce testing time and get faster feedback on required improvements.
In this step-by-step guide to execute parallel tests, you’ll learn the most efficient way to get the most out of this software testing type.
Parallel Tests: Learn with Example
Parallel tests are a type of automated test execution in which multiple tests run simultaneously rather than sequentially. They speed up the testing process because instead of waiting for one test to finish before starting the next, multiple tests are executed at the same time.
Parallel testing saves valuable time for QA teams and improves efficiency.
Take this scenario! You’ve to test a web app’s login feature across Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. Instead of running these tests one after another, a parallel testing tool will let you run all three at once.
How to Execute Parallel Tests with an Automated QA Tool or Framework?
Before starting parallel testing, you have to choose the right test automation framework that supports different testing types. It’s better to use the same tool for multiple types of tests so that your testing can be managed in the same environment.
Here are my top suggestions for parallel testing tools:
- vStellar
- Testsigma
- BrowserStack
- Selenium Grid
- JUnit
Note: Sometimes you’ll also have to use a mix of multiple tools or frameworks to run parallel tests for different types of apps or websites.
Step 1: Set Up Your Testing Environment
Before writing and running parallel tests, you need a proper testing setup:
- Install Java Development Kit (JDK)
- Install Maven or Gradle (build tool)
- Install an IDE (e.g., IntelliJ IDEA or Eclipse)
- Set up your QA testing tool
You can also use alternatives like Pytest with pytest-xdist (Python) or Mocha with WebDriverIO.
Here’s a general example of setting up your parallel test environment in Maven:
<dependencies>
<dependency>
<groupId>org.testng</groupId>
<artifactId>testng</artifactId>
<version>7.9.0</version>
<scope>test</scope>
</dependency>
</dependencies>
Step 2: Write Your Test Scripts
Now you can use your tool to write parallel test cases. Usually, the format is like this if you’re writing in Java:
public class LoginTest {
WebDriver driver;
@BeforeMethod
public void setup() {
driver = new ChromeDriver();
driver.get(“https://example.com/login”);
}
@Test
public void testLogin() {
driver.findElement(By.id(“username”)).sendKeys(“user”);
driver.findElement(By.id(“password”)).sendKeys(“pass”);
driver.findElement(By.id(“loginButton”)).click();
Assert.assertTrue(driver.getTitle().contains(“Dashboard”));
}
@AfterMethod
public void tearDown() {
driver.quit();
}
}
Step 3: Create XML File for Parallel Execution
Next, you’ll have to create an XML file that configures how your tests run.
In XML:
<?xml version=”1.0″ encoding=”UTF-8″?>
<!DOCTYPE suite SYSTEM “https://testng.org/testng-1.0.dtd”>
<suite name=”ParallelSuite” parallel=”methods” thread-count=”3″>
<test name=”LoginTests”>
<classes>
<class name=”com.yourpackage.LoginTest”/>
<class name=”com.yourpackage.SignupTest”/>
<class name=”com.yourpackage.ProfileTest”/>
</classes>
</test>
</suite>
- parallel=”methods” — runs test methods in parallel
- thread-count=”3” — runs 3 methods at the same time
You can also set parallel=”tests” or parallel=”classes” depending on your strategy.
Step 4: Run the Test Suite
Use your IDE or Maven to run the test suite. Your test suite will now execute your test methods in parallel threads.
Step 5: Analyze the Results
The most important step is to analyze your test results after execution. You can connect any test reporting platform with your QA automation tool to obtain the results, or some tools provide even built-in reports.
Make sure to review logs, screenshots, or video recordings if you’re using a cloud platform like BrowserStack. After reviewing your test results, you can proceed to fix any errors found in failed test cases.
Conclusion
Parallel testing has addressed several challenges in modern QA workflows driven by the need to test multiple applications simultaneously. With parallel tests, you can get faster execution, broader coverage, and quicker feedback in your software testing cycles.
Start parallel testing with multiple automation tools and ensure that you set up your test environment.
