Shift-left testing is an approach to software testing that prioritizes performing testing early in the software development lifecycle (SDLC), such as during requirements and design phases, rather than waiting until code completion. In this model, testers collaborate closely with developers, business analysts, and other stakeholders to identify potential issues or defects early in development so they can be addressed before becoming costly and time-consuming issues to fix.
Shift-left testing involves several practices, such as automated testing, continuous integration and delivery, and collaborative testing. By employing these strategies, teams can save time on testing tasks, enhance the quality of software being developed, and accelerate the time to market for their products.
Shift-left testing is becoming increasingly commonplace within Agile and DevOps methodologies, focusing on continuous testing and delivery. This approach helps guarantee that software is of high quality and meets end-users’ requirements while cutting costs and time associated with software testing – making it an attractive option for organizations looking to enhance their software development processes.