Automate Approval Testing What It Is and How to Use It

Approval testing is a software testing technique that offers an alternative to traditional methods by capturing and approving system outputs to ensure reliability and stability in applications. Unlike traditional testing, which involves writing detailed test cases, approval testing simplifies the process by comparing system outputs against previously approved results, thus reducing the time and effort needed to update test cases. It is particularly useful for legacy systems without proper documentation, allowing developers to understand existing behavior and safely implement changes without unintended consequences. The process typically involves recording approved outputs, automating tests, and comparing new results to the approved files, with any discrepancies prompting further investigation. Despite slightly increased test execution times and the need for manual approval of changes, approval testing fosters collaboration between developers and testers by allowing them to investigate and fix discrepancies together. It is especially beneficial in systems with non-deterministic outputs and can be integrated into continuous integration pipelines to automate validation processes. Tools like qodo (formerly Codium) and libraries such as ApprovalTests facilitate the implementation of approval testing, making it a valuable addition to the testing toolbox when traditional methods become cumbersome.