QA metrics that matter: How to measure software quality effectively

 

Metrics related to quality assurance (QA) are essential for evaluating a software project's overall health. Teams can use them to monitor progress, pinpoint areas for improvement, and make sure the final product lives up to client expectations. Organisations can deliver high-quality software products on time and make data-driven choices by utilising QA metrics effectively.

 

• The following are important metrics for measuring software quality and how to utilise them:

1. Defect Density

   • Defect density refers to the number of defects found per unit of code.

   • This measure represents the codebase's quality and allows teams to focus on areas for improvement. A high defect density might indicate improper coding techniques or a lack of adequate testing in certain regions.

2. Test Coverage

   • Test coverage refers to the proportion of code covered by automated or human testing.

   • High test coverage ensures that a large portion of your code is tested, reducing the likelihood of defects slipping through. It also highlights areas of the code that are not covered by tests and may be at risk.

3. Defect Leakage

   • Defect leakage is the proportion of faults discovered after the program has been launched as opposed to the total number of defects discovered before release.

   • It helps in understanding how effective your testing process is. High defect leakage can indicate gaps in the QA process, such as insufficient testing or incomplete test cases.

4. Test Execution Metrics

   • These metrics track the number of test cases executed, the number of tests passed/failed, and the time taken for each testing phase.

   • Metrics for measuring test execution offer valuable information about the extent of the testing procedure and its alignment with the project schedule.