What is a UAT Environment?
This is where end-users or stakeholders test the application to ensure it meets their expectations and requirements. It should be as close to the production environment as possible. This allows users to provide valuable feedback on the application’s functionality and usability in a realistic setting.
What environments should an enterprise application use?
– Development
– Testing
– UAT
– Production
What’s the difference between UAT and testing environments?
While both UAT and testing environments are used to test the software, they serve different purposes and are used by different teams. The testing environment is used by the QA team to perform various tests, such as functional, performance, and security testing.
On the other hand, end-users or stakeholders use the UAT environment to validate that the software meets their needs.
How do you build a UAT environment?
1. Set up your environment
2. Implement access controls
3. Use the right version
4. Choose your data wisely
5. Create a documentation plan
User experience can make or break the success of your software. One essential step to making sure your software meets the needs of your users is User Acceptance Testing (UAT). But what does the process look like and how does it work? This blog post will demystify the UAT environment and provide insights into its importance in the software development lifecycle.
What environments should an enterprise application use?
Before you can implement User Acceptance Testing, you have to understand how it fits into the context of all the necessary environments for your project. An enterprise application should have multiple environments, each designed to serve a specific purpose in the software development lifecycle. These environments include:
Development environment
In this environment, developers write and test their code. It’s the starting point for any new feature or bug fix and is generally not accessible to non-developers. This environment should be isolated from other environments to allow for the rapid development and testing of new code without affecting other parts of the application.
Testing environment
Once the code is complete, it’s moved to the testing environment, where quality assurance (QA) teams test the software to ensure it meets the requirements and that it doesn’t contain defects. This environment should be close to the production environment, including hardware, software, and network configurations for accurate test results.
UAT environment
This is where end-users or stakeholders test the application to ensure it meets their expectations and requirements. It should be as close to the production environment as possible. This allows users to provide valuable feedback on the application’s functionality and usability in a realistic setting.
The UAT environment is almost (if not completely) aligned with the production environment, so any issues can be identified before the application is deployed to production. Performance testing may also be done in this environment, or one that mirrors it, which is sometimes called a staging environment.
Production environment
This is the final destination for the application. In this environment, the software is deployed and made available to your end users. Maintaining a stable production environment is key, as it minimizes downtime and ensures a seamless user experience.
What’s the difference between UAT and testing environments?
While both UAT and testing environments are used to test the software, they serve different purposes and are used by different teams. The testing environment is used by the QA team to perform various tests, such as functional, performance, and security testing.
On the other hand, end-users or stakeholders use the UAT environment to validate that the software meets their needs. This phase is critical, as every dollar spent on user testing can result in up to $100 in ROI.
Here’s a look at more detailed distinctions between the two.
Purpose: The testing environment focuses on identifying and fixing defects, while the UAT environment focuses on ensuring that the application meets user requirements and expectations.
Users: QA teams primarily use the testing environment, while end-users or stakeholders use the UAT environment.
Test scenarios: The testing environment covers a wide range of test scenarios, including edge cases and negative testing. The UAT environment focuses on real-world use cases and user workflows.
Test data: The testing environment often uses a limited data set to perform tests, while the UAT environment should use real-world data to provide an accurate representation of the user experience.
How do you build a UAT environment?
Once you understand the importance of UAT testing and where it fits into your process, what do you do next? To build a UAT environment, follow these steps:
1. Set up your environment
Create a separate environment that closely matches the production environment. This includes hardware, software, network configurations, and data. This way, the UAT environment will provide an accurate representation of the production environment, which allows users to test the application under realistic conditions.
2. Implement access controls
Ensure that only authorized users can access the UAT environment. This helps maintain the integrity of the UAT process and prevents unauthorized access or changes that may impact the environment.
3. Use the right version
Deploy the latest version of the application to the UAT environment. This way, users are testing the most up-to-date version of the software that includes any changes or bug fixes made during the development and testing phases.
4. Choose your data wisely
Prepare test data that accurately reflect real-world scenarios. This may involve anonymizing or masking sensitive data, while still maintaining the integrity of the data set. This allows users to test the application using realistic data and provides valuable insights into how the application will perform in the production environment.
5. Create a documentation plan
Establish a process for reporting and tracking issues identified during UAT. This may involve using a bug-tracking system or other project management tools to log, prioritize, and address issues as they arise.
UAT Checklist: A quick guide for success
Need an actionable plan that you can use to help your UAT go off without a hitch? Use this easy-to-follow checklist.
- Define clear UAT objectives and criteria
- Involve end-users or stakeholders early in the process and get their input on test scenarios
- Develop a detailed test plan that includes test scenarios, test data, and expected results
- Ensure that the UAT environment closely resembles the production environment
- Train end-users or stakeholders on how to use the application and perform UAT
- Execute the test plan and document the results
- Address any issues identified during UAT and retest as necessary
- Get sign-off from end-users or stakeholders once the application satisfies your criteria
It’s time to take effective UAT practices to your project
Implementing UAT can help your company create a high-quality product that delights your users and meets their requirements. Ultimately, a well-executed UAT process will help you minimize risks and increase end-user satisfaction. That sets up your application for long-term success.
Stay connected to the Unosquare blog for more helpful guides to modern software development, and get in touch today if you need added support for your next project from our experienced and talented development professionals.
