Here are some of the use cases across sectors which could be transformed by Blockchain.
Current QA Approach - Blockchain Technology
Once you add a block to the blockchain, it remains intact forever. If you attempt to fiddle with the data in any block in between, the subsequent blocks turn invalid. A change in a single block of the blockchain will disrupt the subsequent blocks as well. Therefore, when a new block is being added, it is vital that it is added properly as it can’t be modified later.
Exploiting a blockchain is complex already and testing it isn’t easier either. In addition, it helps in large transactions which go undergo validation, encryption, decryption, transmission, etc. Therefore, it is essential to ensure the processes are managed smoothly.
What is the need for testing in a Blockchain?
Once you add a block to the blockchain, it remains intact forever. If you attempt to fiddle with the data in any block in between, the subsequent blocks turn invalid. A change in a single block of the blockchain will disrupt the subsequent blocks as well. Therefore, when a new block is being added, it is vital that it is added properly as it can’t be modified later.
Exploiting a blockchain is complex already and testing it isn’t easier either. In addition, it helps in large transactions which go undergo validation, encryption, decryption, transmission, etc. Therefore, it is essential to ensure the processes are managed smoothly.
What should you test in a Blockchain?
Load -
With a lot of people engaged in blockchain, load is a key testing parameter. Let’s take bitcoins as an example. Its current highest throughput is between three and four transactions/second. On the contrary, what if the transaction/second increases as in the case of Paypal (193), Visa (2000), etc? Because of this load is a sticking point with blockchain as with increase in its load, its performance declines.
Security -
With plenty of miners involved in every transaction, security is a complex issue. The multi-layered security in a blockchain means that even the hacking of one layer would mean the subsequent transactions are not stopped.
Transmission of data -
Encrypted/decrypted data is transferred between computers, so it is essential to examine if transmission is working as intended.
Cryptography -
Cryptography is the foundation of blockchain technology. So, it is important for the data to be encrypted and decrypted in the right manner.
Blockchain testing tools
Ethereum Tester
It is one of the widely-used platforms to build blockchain applications. It is replete with tools for application development and testing.
Ganache (previously TestRPC)
It is specifically built for locally testing Ethereum contracts. It builds a simulated blockchain enabling anyone to use accounts for the purpose of testing.
Hyperledger Composer
In contrast to the tools abovementioned, Hyperledger Composer has shortcomings when it comes to many features of blockchain and is, therefore, only useful for application testing before launch.
Exonum Testkit
Testing an entire service’s operation is one of the strengths of an Exonum Testkit. It enables you to test API and the synchronous system’s transaction execution without involving consensus algorithm and network operation.
