Test traceability is crucial for ensuring that all specified requirements are covered by test cases, ultimately confirming that the software aligns with its intended functionality. In a project involving both manual and automated tests, you can establish traceability by adding annotations to automated tests, linking them to individual requirements. To achieve this, define requirements in a registry, like a Java enum class, and utilize its values in annotations for automated tests. Subsequently, generate a traceability report post-test execution, establishing bidirectional links between requirements and automated tests.
For manual tests, enhance traceability by incorporating URLs in the requirement definition enum. This linkage allows for the inclusion of manual testing results in the traceability report. Although some coding, such as parsing HTML pages for manual testing results, may be necessary, presenting the traceability report to the team each morning proves invaluable for release decision-making.
Consider additional improvements, such as integrating information about known issues, workarounds, and comparisons to previous reports to identify trends. However, exercise caution with automation, as an excess of it may lead to maintenance challenges. It is advisable to keep certain aspects, such as documentation in a Word document, as a manual approach for easier upkeep and adaptability.
