Testing plays a critical role in ensuring the reliability, functionality, and performance of Salesforce and its affiliated applications. The acronyms, jargon, and terminology associated with testing can be overwhelming. This is especially true for citizen testers and those new to the field.

In this blog, we’ve assembled a comprehensive and alphabetical list of some of the most common Salesforce testing terms. We hope that this guide will demystify the jargon. It aims to enhance your testing vocabulary. By the end, you will be well-equipped to navigate the complexities of Salesforce testing with confidence and clarity.

A: 

Automated Testing: 

The employ of software tools to implement predefined tests automatically is referred to as automated testing. By automating testing, efficiency is enhanced, manual effort and error are reduced, and repeatable, reliable test execution is ensured. 

B: 

Built-in Test Management: 

Integrated tools within a software platform that facilitate the planning, execution, and tracking of tests, and streamline and optimize the quality assurance process.

C: 

CI/CD Pipeline: 

A Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment pipeline automates code integration, testing, and deployment, ensuring rapid and reliable software delivery.

D: 

Data Security: 

Specific measures and protocols are implemented to protect data from unauthorized access, alteration, or destruction and to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and safety of sensitive information.

E: 

End-to End: 

Refers to the complete testing process or journey from start to finish, often used in testing to ensure all components, systems, or workflows are tested together to validate that the entire system functions as intended.

F: 

Flexibility: 

A system’s ability to adapt to changes or new requirements. Flexibility is essential to Salesforce testing to accommodate evolving business needs and technological advancements.

G: 

Generate Test Steps: 

The process of creating detailed, step-by-step instructions for executing tests, ensuring repeatable and reliable processes and procedures to validate Salesforce functionalities. 

H: 

Hybrid Testing: 

A combination of traditional manual testing and automated testing intended to leverage the strengths of both to achieve more efficient and effective testing of Salesforce applications. (Keep in mind that as an organization evolves, manual testing may not prove as efficient and the balance of manual testing may tip the scale toward an automated strategy depending on your business needs!)

I: 

Integration: 

The process of connecting Salesforce with other systems or applications to enable seamless data flow and functionality, minimize inefficiencies, and ensure comprehensive and cohesive organizational operations.

J: 

JavaScript: 

A programming language used to create interactive and dynamic elements within Salesforce applications, including custom buttons, Lightning components, and user-side validations.

K:

Key Performance Indicator (KPI): 

A measurable value that indicates how effectively a company is achieving key business objectives. Use KPIs in Salesforce to evaluate the success of various aspects, including sales performance, user satisfaction, customer trust, and system use.

L: 

Low Code: 

A development approach that requires minimal development to build applications and processes, using visual interfaces and drag-and-drop tools, making it easier for non-developers to create and modify Salesforce solutions.

M: 

Metadata-Driven Approach: 

A method of development and testing that leverages Salesforce metadata to define and control the behavior of Salesforce applications, promoting flexibility and ease of customization and keeps systems current.

N: 

Non-Coder: 

An individual who contributes to Salesforce testing or development without writing code (otherwise known as a citizen tester), often using low-code or no-code testing tools to create and manage test cases, applications, and workflows.

O: 

Operability: 

Ensure that a Salesforce application or system can be easily operated, monitored, maintained, and managed to perform properly and support business needs effectively.

P: 

Project Triangle: 

Also known as the “Iron Triangle,” or “Triple Constraint,” this refers to the primary constraints in project management — scope, time, and cost. Balancing these constraints is critical for the successful delivery of Salesforce projects.

Q: 

Quality Management: 

Also known as software quality management (SQM). Refers to the framework and processes used to ensure that Salesforce applications meet organizational standards and deliver consistent, reliable performance and results. Quality management can include quality planning, quality control, quality assurance, and continuous improvement practices.

R: 

Regression Testing: 

A type of testing to ensure that updates or changes to the Salesforce environment have not adversely affected existing functionality. Regression testing involves re-running previously executed tests to confirm results and that the software still performs as expected.

S: 

Scalable: 

The capability of a Salesforce application or system to handle increased load or demand without compromising performance, reliability, or quality, and ensures the system can grow with the needs of the organization.

T: 

Test Automation: 

The use of software solutions, scripts, and tools to automatically execute test cases in a Salesforce environment, as well as compare outcomes against expectations and generate reports. Test automation reduces manual effort and error and increases testing efficiency and coverage. 

U:

University of Provar: 

A free training and educational platform provided by Provar, offering courses, certifications, and resources to help users of all experience levels learn about Salesforce testing and how to effectively use Provar’s quality and testing tools to maximize your Salesforce investment. 

V: 

Validation Rules: 

Predefined conditions to ensure the accuracy and consistency of data entered into the Salesforce system. Verify that user data meets specific standards before a record can be saved, and prevent edits to records that meet certain criteria. Test validation rules to prevent incorrect or incomplete data entry.

W: 

Workflows: 

Automated sequences of steps that guide users through a process or perform actions in a Salesforce environment based on predefined rules and criteria to streamline business processes, automate tests and tasks, and ensure consistency and quality across operations. 

X: 

XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) Testing: 

Verify that Salesforce applications are protected against cross-site scripting vulnerabilities. This prevents attackers from injecting malicious code into web pages viewed by other users.

Y: 

YAML: 

Stands for “YAML Ain’t Markup Language.” A format in Salesforce for organizing and describing different aspects of the system, including configurations or deployment instructions. When testing YAML files, the goal is to make sure they are written correctly and function as intended. 

Z: 

Zero Additional Infrastructure: 

This refers to a testing approach that doesn’t require additional hardware or software resources beyond what an organization already has in place, making implementation cost-effective and simple for organizations that rely on Salesforce.

Conclusion

Understanding the concepts and terminology in Salesforce testing is essential. This is crucial for anyone involved in the development, maintenance, use, or testing of Salesforce applications. With the help of our handy A-Z guide, you and your team can navigate the ever-evolving world of Salesforce testing with ease.

Want to learn more about how Provar can help your team transform its Salesforce testing? Connect with a Provar expert today!