Shift Left in Software Testing

In the ever-evolving landscape of software development, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. One approach that has gained significant traction is the "Shift Left" methodology in software testing. This innovative strategy involves moving testing processes earlier in the development lifecycle, ultimately enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and delivering higher-quality software. In this article, we will explore the key principles and benefits of the Shift Left approach, shedding light on how it can revolutionize your software testing practices.
What is Shift Left in Software Testing?
Shift Left is a paradigm shift that encourages organizations to integrate testing activities into the early stages of the software development lifecycle (SDLC). Traditionally, testing occurs late in the development process, often leading to time-consuming bug fixes and costly rework. However, by moving testing closer to the initial phases of development, teams can identify and address issues sooner, preventing them from escalating into more significant problems downstream.
Make sure to watch the video to learn all about shift left and how you can introduce it in your company and team.
✨ A big thank you to the video sponsor SolDevelo, the company behind the test management plugin for JIRA. Find all about QAlity Plus in the following link.
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[@sebastiansolidwork8804]

Do you mind adding links to statistics which you mention in the video?

[@DanielKnott]

Can you tell me the minute when I was talking about stats, please?

[@sebastiansolidwork8804]

@@DanielKnott 1:40, the costs for fixing issues.
Also the "85% of issues introduced in coding" you mentioned.

[@AyyAppA_009]

Thank you..Shift Left testing is one of the key role feature for software development process

[@DanielKnott]

There you go glenndejaeger.wordpress.com/2010/02/18/focus-on-quality/ @@sebastiansolidwork8804

[@sebastiansolidwork8804]

@@DanielKnott Thanks, but even that looks made-up to me. There is no source mentioned for the graph and the first two links at the end are not working anymore.
I can go with the increasing cost, but the 85% looks abitrary to me.
Aren't either 100% or 0% if bugs introduced by coding?
Where was a bug introduced when a developer misunderstood something or was angry because of toxic team culture?
I would argue different.

[@sebastiansolidwork8804]

Why do you say "shift left"? I see you mostly talking about "expand left".
Contribute as tester wherever and whenever you can.
I agree on to not do a "big bang". Because you test on system level does not mean the feature has to be fully finished.
I frequently test whatever is available on feature branches when a developer says he has pieces done which makes sense to interact with. We talk about where I should look and where not because he has not finished it so far.
As I work in a Scrum team I'm at every refinement and planning and ask questions and contribute my experience and knowledge.
Developing tools for testing, including different styles of automation, can be very helpful.
Thinking you can replace people with (test) automation only works for people whose work is next to automation.
I feel very uncomfortable with the advertisement for the tool. I gave me the impression that the previous part should lead to that. That might not be 100% true, you maybe really like tool and where happy to add this.
But it does not feels good to me.

[@DanielKnott]

Hi Sebastian,
thanks for your comment! Shift left is a term that has been around in the testing space for some time now. With agile methodologies, teams are getting much closer to shift left in testing compared to waterfall or other ways of working. If testers are involved already in refinement sessions, which they should, this is already great. However, when I was working as tester, I was pairing not only with devs but with my product manager and designers even before the refinement phases. It helped them to get my ideas early into the process.
But this really depends on the team setup and mindset.
Sorry if you felt uncomfortable regarding the sponsor. I am happy that companies want to support me with all my effort I put into this channel to provide free software testing content. I marked it as ad and put a music in the background for people to notice it. You can use the fast-forward feature to skip it in case you don't like it.

[@sebastiansolidwork8804]

​@@DanielKnottI see some interpretations, taking it quit literally, dangerous. e.g. Trying to cover "everything" with automation.
Your content, where I mostly agree, says "expand left" to me, while you label it as "shift left".
I see this as mismatch. At others too.
Why should we stay with different interpretations of the same label when there is way to differ? The current state creates unnecessary ambiguity.

[@DanielKnott]

Agree with you. I was using the term shift left, since it's used in the industry. But I like the term expand left. Never thought about it that way. Maybe worth writing about this :). Thanks for the impulse! @@sebastiansolidwork8804

[@lewymbuba]

I am passionate about learning software testing but I don't know what to expect in terms of remote job market 😢 kindly advise.

[@sebastiansolidwork8804]

There is everything out while it also depends on your area and if you can / will work for a company in a different company.
e.g. in Germany I find easily job which are 100% remote.

[@DanielKnott]

Hi, thanks for your comment. Check the job portals e.g. linkedIn. You can filter directly for remote jobs only