Automated testing is the use of specialised software to automatically execute pre-scripted tests on a software application. It helps speed up the testing process by replacing manual testing efforts, reducing human error, and increasing test coverage. Benefits of Automated Testing:

Faster Execution: Automated tests can run much faster than manual tests, speeding up the overall testing process.

Increased Accuracy: Automation reduces human errors, ensuring tests are run consistently and accurately every time.

More Coverage: Automated tests can cover more functionality and test scenarios, providing broader test coverage.

Reusability: Once written, test scripts can be reused across different test cycles, saving time and effort in the long run.

Cost-Effective in the Long Run: Though the initial setup can take time, automation saves on labor costs and resources by running tests faster and more efficiently.

Quick Feedback: Provides faster feedback to developers, allowing for quicker bug detection and resolution.

Performance testing should be an ongoing part of your software development lifecycle to ensure your application can handle the demands of users. The frequency depends on various factors, but here are some general guidelines:

During Development: Conduct performance testing during early stages to catch any potential bottlenecks before they become major issues.

Before Major Releases: Test before any major updates or new releases to ensure performance standards are met and new changes don't negatively impact the app.

After Significant Changes: If there are any substantial changes to the system, like infrastructure updates, new features, or integrations, it's essential to test performance again.

Regularly in Production: Performance tests should be run periodically in the live environment to ensure the system is performing as expected under real-world conditions. This can be done monthly or quarterly, depending on usage patterns and business needs.

In Response to User Feedback: If users report performance issues, you should conduct testing to identify and resolve any problems quickly.

In short, performance testing is most effective when done early, often, and continuously to ensure a smooth, high-quality user experience.

At T-Plan, we understand the critical importance of security in software development. We perform a variety of security tests to identify vulnerabilities and ensure your applications are protected. Common types of security tests include:

Vulnerability Scanning: Automated tools scan the application for known security vulnerabilities, such as outdated libraries or common weaknesses that could be exploited.

Penetration Testing (Pen Testing): Simulated cyber-attacks are conducted to identify potential points of entry for hackers and assess how well your application can withstand an attack.

Authentication and Authorisation Testing: We test how the system handles user authentication and authorisation processes to ensure that only authorised users can access sensitive data or perform restricted actions.

Input Validation Testing: Testing to ensure that user inputs (such as forms or URL parameters) are properly validated to prevent common vulnerabilities like SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS).

Session Management Testing: We check how the application manages user sessions to identify any risks, such as session fixation or cookie theft, that could lead to unauthorised access.

Configuration and Code Review: We review your application’s configuration settings and codebase for security misconfigurations or unsafe coding practices that could expose the system to attacks.

Compliance Testing: Ensuring your application meets the necessary security standards and regulations, like GDPR, PCI-DSS, or HIPAA, depending on your industry.

These tests help proactively address security risks, ensuring that your application remains robust, secure, and trustworthy for your users.