This section introduces the key foundational concepts and historical context for modern continuous testing, quality, security, and feedback strategies. It also explains why DevOps, DevSecOps, and SRE practices drive the need for continuous testing, quality, security, and feedback.

Foundations for testing, quality, security, and feedback

Testing, quality, security, and feedback have been integral to software development, delivery, and operations since the inception of software. Figure 1.1 and the following paragraphs depict some historical examples that highlight this.

Figure 1.1 – Early examples of testing, quality, security, and feedback

• Testing and quality – ENIAC (1940s): Even with the first general-purpose electronic computer, ENIAC, testing and debugging were crucial. The machine had to be meticulously programmed and tested for each new task, a process that often...

This section explains the importance of defining continuous testing, quality, security, and feedback and the challenges associated with doing so, followed by practical definitions for continuous testing, quality, security, and feedback.

The need for definitions of testing, quality, security, and feedback

There are no standard definitions for continuous testing, quality, security, and feedback, just as there are no standard definitions for DevOps, DevOps, or SRE. However, defining continuous testing, quality, security, and feedback within the context of an organization’s transformation to mature DevOps, DevSecOps, and SRE practices is crucial for several reasons. Definitions provide a foundation to establish metrics and measure the performance and progress for people, processes, and technologies dimensions of holistic digital transformations. The importance, potential benefits, and consequences of having (or not...

This section describes the guiding principles and pillars of practice that are important to support an effective continuous testing strategy. They are essential for ensuring that continuous testing effectively decreases the time from code commit to production deployment and reduces failures in production.

Figure 1.5 illustrates the pillars of continuous testing.

Figure 1.5 – The continuous testing pillars

Let’s look at them in detail:

• Test automation:
  • Principle: Automation is key to achieving the speed and consistency required for continuous testing. Automated tests can be run frequently and consistently, ensuring rapid feedback on the health of the software.
  • Pillar: Develop and maintain a suite of automated tests that cover a wide range of aspects, including unit, integration, regression, performance, security, system, and user acceptance testing.
• Integration with a development...

This section describes the guiding principles and pillars of practice that are important to support an effective continuous quality strategy.

Figure 1.6 illustrates the pillars of continuous quality.

Figure 1.6 – The continuous quality pillars

Let’s have a look at them:

• User-centric focus:
  • Principle: User satisfaction is a key indicator of quality.
  • Pillar: Regularly gather and analyze user feedback, usability testing results, customer satisfaction metrics, and results from satisfaction surveys to guide quality improvements.
• Integrated quality metrics:
  • Principle: Quality should be measurable and integrated into every stage of the software life cycle.
  • Pillar: Implement and continuously refine a set of quality metrics (such as defect rates, uptime, and performance benchmarks) across the development, delivery, and production phases.
• Proactive quality assurance:
  • Principle:...

This section describes the guiding principles and pillars of practice that are important to support an effective continuous security strategy.

Figure 1.7 illustrates the pillars of continuous security.

Figure 1.7 – The continuous security pillars

Let’s look at them in brief:

• DevSecOps culture:
  • Principle: Collaboration between development, security, and operations enhances security outcomes.
  • Pillar: Promote a DevSecOps culture where security is a shared responsibility, integrated into the DevOps practices, encouraging collaboration and communication across teams.
• Security awareness and training:
  • Principle: Security is a shared responsibility and requires awareness at all levels.
  • Pillar: Provide regular security training and awareness programs for all team members to foster a security-conscious culture. For example, security training on topics such as Open Worldwide Application...

This section describes the guiding principles, and pillars of practice that are important for an effective continuous feedback strategy.

Figure 1.8 illustrates the pillars of Continuous Feedback.

Figure 1.8 – The continuous feedback pillars

Let’s discuss these pillars next:

• Stakeholder and user engagement:
  • Principle: Active engagement with stakeholders and users is essential for relevant and actionable feedback.
  • Pillar: Establish regular channels to gather feedback from all stakeholders, including customers, end users, team members, and business partners.
• Feedback integration with development:
  • Principle: Feedback should be integrated seamlessly into the development process.
  • Pillar: Develop mechanisms to quickly integrate feedback into the development pipeline, ensuring that it directly informs development priorities and decisions.
• Rapid iteration and implementation:
  • Principle...

In the rapidly evolving landscape of DevOps, DevSecOps, and SRE, strategies for continuous testing, quality, security, and feedback have emerged as pivotal elements in steering digital transformations toward successful continuous development, delivery, and operations. This chapter delved into the heart of these strategies, offering practical definitions and the guiding principles that underpin them.

The journey began with Introducing Continuous Testing, Quality, Security, and Feedback, setting the stage for a comprehensive exploration. This section laid the groundwork, illuminating why these concepts are indispensable in modern software development. It’s an invitation to view software development, delivery, and operations through a lens that prioritizes continuous improvement and adaptation. The following section, Defining Continuous Testing, Quality, Security, and Feedback, provided clear, outcome-focused definitions of each concept. This clarity is crucial, as it...