The Most Relevant and Common QA Metrics
To be brief, a metric is a specific evaluation by which we get a numerical value of a certain characteristic, and is also a kind of feedback mechanism between the user and the web product.
We encounter values like “quality” daily. But how do we know how good a product came out, how well testing was done, and how well the software development process was done? To answer them, you need to have a date, a sum of indicators that can be compared to each other.
Everything is similar to the testing process. We analyze the actual result in a certain context, compare it to a certain expected result and make some conclusions. Why? In most cases, to operate with the actual information and to be able to directly influence the process.
Now let’s see, where exactly to look for such data? Traditionally, the sources of information are:
• Test plan;
• Test reports;
• Continuous integration;
• Bug tracking systems;
• Test management systems;
• Test strategy.
Of course, there are a lot of metrics in software development/testing but further, we will talk about the most relevant and frequently encountered ones.
Defect Containment
Defect Containment is the ratio of the number of bugs detected at the pre-release stage to the total number of bugs.
What can it show? The overall value of the quality of the product, or the value of the quality of the test performed.
Decline Rate
Decline Rate means bounce rate. It is defined as the ratio of invalid errors to the sum of closed (allowed) errors.
What does it show? The quality of the bug report process.
Re-Open Rate
Re-Open Rate is defined as the ratio of reopened bugs to the sum of reopened and fixed bugs.
What does it show? If there is no content, this metric is extremely difficult to interpret. But, it does show:
• The overall quality of bug fixing;
• The overall quality of the description of the defects;
• Emerging problems in the testing process;
• The overall quality of software development and verification.
In Conclusion
If you face some problems while performing software testing services, your first task as a QA specialist is to report it. The use of metrics is a convenient and maximally objective tool, with the help of which you will be “heard” among your colleagues and superiors.
Do not forget, there are a lot of metrics, so pick just the one that you need, and go ahead – measure the quality!
