Microsoft SharePoint Testing : A Beginner's Guide

About SharePoint

SharePoint is a web-based collaborative platform developed by Microsoft. It is primarily used for document management and storage, as well as for collaboration and content management. SharePoint enables users to create sites to share information and collaborate with other users within their organization, and it provides tools for creating, managing, and sharing content such as documents, lists, and calendars.

SharePoint can be used for a wide range of purposes, including project management, knowledge management, team collaboration, document management, and intranet/extranet portals. It integrates with other Microsoft products such as Microsoft Office, Outlook, and Teams, and it can also be extended with custom applications and add-ons.

SharePoint comes in several different versions, including SharePoint Server, SharePoint Online, and SharePoint Foundation (which is a free version with limited functionality). SharePoint can be deployed on-premises, in the cloud, or in a hybrid environment.

SharePoint Testing Best Practices

Here are some best practices for testing SharePoint:

1. Develop a comprehensive test plan: Create a detailed test plan that outlines the scope of testing, objectives, testing methodology, test cases, and acceptance criteria.
2. Test across multiple browsers and devices: Test your SharePoint site across multiple browsers and devices to ensure compatibility and responsiveness.
3. Test user permissions and security: Test user permissions and security settings to ensure that users have access to the appropriate information and functionality.
4. Test customizations and third-party integrations: Test any customizations or third-party integrations to ensure that they work correctly and do not break any SharePoint functionality.
5. Conduct load testing: Conduct load testing to determine how SharePoint performs under heavy usage and to identify any bottlenecks or performance issues.
6. Test backups and disaster recovery: Test backup and disaster recovery procedures to ensure that your SharePoint data can be restored in the event of a disaster or system failure.
7. Use automated testing tools: Use automated testing tools to speed up the testing process and improve testing accuracy.
8. Test SharePoint updates and patches: Test SharePoint updates and patches before deploying them to production to ensure that they do not cause any issues or conflicts with existing functionality.
9. Involve end-users in testing: Involve end-users in the testing process to gather feedback and ensure that the SharePoint site meets their needs and expectations.

By following these best practices, you can ensure that your SharePoint site is thoroughly tested and functioning as intended, providing a positive user experience for your team.

Restrictions Due to SharePoint Limitations

SharePoint has several limitations and restrictions that organizations may need to take into consideration when planning their SharePoint deployment. Here are some of the most common restrictions:

1. Content database size: SharePoint has a limit on the size of each content database, which can be up to 200 GB in SharePoint 2013 and later versions. This can cause issues for organizations with large amounts of data to store.
2. File size limits: SharePoint has limits on the size of individual files that can be uploaded, which can be up to 250 MB in SharePoint 2013 and later versions. This can be problematic for organizations that need to store large files such as videos, audio files, or CAD drawings.
3. Search limitations: SharePoint search is powerful, but there are some limitations to what it can index and how it can be customized. Organizations may need to invest in additional search tools to address specific search requirements.
4. Customization limitations: SharePoint can be customized extensively using SharePoint Designer, Visual Studio, and other tools, but there are some restrictions on what can be modified. Customizations can also impact the stability and supportability of the SharePoint environment.
5. User limits: SharePoint has limits on the number of users who can access a SharePoint site simultaneously, which can cause performance issues for organizations with large user bases.
6. Complexity: SharePoint can be a complex platform to manage and administer, particularly for organizations without SharePoint expertise in-house. This can lead to additional costs for training, consulting, and support.

By understanding these limitations and restrictions, organizations can make informed decisions about their SharePoint deployment and identify any potential issues or challenges that may arise.

SharePoint Testing Checklist

Here is a sample checklist for testing SharePoint:

1. Functionality testing:

   • Verify that all SharePoint features and functionalities are working as expected.
   • Test document library functionality, such as upload, download, and versioning.
   • Test list functionality, such as adding, updating, and deleting list items.
   • Test workflows, such as approval workflows or custom workflows.
   • Test web parts and customizations.

2. Compatibility testing:

   • Test SharePoint on different browsers and devices.
   • Test SharePoint with different versions of Microsoft Office, Outlook, and other Microsoft products.
   • Test SharePoint with any third-party integrations or custom applications.

3. Performance testing:

   • Test SharePoint under heavy load to ensure it performs optimally.
   • Test the response time of SharePoint pages, including search results and page load times.
   • Test the performance of SharePoint workflows.

4. Security testing:

   • Test user permissions and roles to ensure that users have access to the appropriate content and functionality.
   • Test SharePoint security settings, such as authentication methods and encryption.
   • Test SharePoint backups and disaster recovery procedures.

5. Usability testing:

   • Test the user interface of SharePoint, including navigation and ease of use.
   • Test SharePoint with end-users to get feedback on the user experience.
   • Test SharePoint's accessibility features for compliance with accessibility standards.

6. Integration testing:

   • Test SharePoint with other Microsoft products, such as Exchange, Teams, and Dynamics.
   • Test SharePoint with any third-party integrations or custom applications.

By following this checklist, you can ensure that your SharePoint site is thoroughly tested and ready for deployment, providing a positive user experience for your team.

SharePoint Testing Using Selenium

Selenium is a popular open-source testing tool that can be used for testing SharePoint web applications. Here are the steps for testing SharePoint using Selenium:

1. Set up a Selenium environment: Install Selenium WebDriver and the language bindings for your programming language of choice, such as Python, Java, or C#. You'll also need to install the appropriate web drivers for your target browser, such as Chrome or Firefox.
2. Identify test scenarios: Identify the test scenarios that you want to test, such as login functionality, document library upload, or list item creation.
3. Develop test cases: Develop test cases for each of the test scenarios, using the Selenium WebDriver API to interact with SharePoint's web interface.
4. Execute test cases: Execute the test cases using Selenium WebDriver, which will automate interactions with SharePoint and verify that the expected results are achieved.
5. Analyze test results: Analyze the test results to identify any issues or errors with SharePoint's functionality or performance. Use Selenium's reporting features to generate reports that can be used for further analysis.
6. Iterate and refine: Iterate and refine your test cases based on the results of your testing, making any necessary modifications to ensure that SharePoint is working as intended.

By using Selenium to test SharePoint, organizations can ensure that their SharePoint deployments are thoroughly tested and working as intended, providing a positive user experience for end-users.

How Testing benefits Your SharePoint Online and SharePoint On-Premises

Testing is essential for both SharePoint Online and SharePoint On-Premises deployments, as it helps to ensure that the platform is working as intended and meeting the needs of end-users. Here are some of the benefits of testing for SharePoint:

1. Improves functionality: Testing helps to identify any issues with SharePoint's functionality, such as broken links, errors, or missing features. This allows organizations to address these issues before deploying SharePoint to end-users, ensuring that the platform is working correctly and meeting the needs of users.
2. Enhances performance: Testing can help to identify any performance issues with SharePoint, such as slow page load times, and allows organizations to optimize SharePoint for better performance. This ensures that SharePoint is working efficiently, providing a positive user experience for end-users.
3. Increases security: Testing helps to identify any security vulnerabilities in SharePoint, such as weak user permissions or data breaches, and allows organizations to address these issues before they become a problem. This ensures that SharePoint is secure, protecting sensitive data and preventing unauthorized access.
4. Reduces downtime: Testing can help to identify any issues that may cause SharePoint to go offline or become unavailable, allowing organizations to address these issues before they cause downtime. This ensures that SharePoint is available and accessible to end-users, minimizing disruptions to their work.
5. Ensures compliance: Testing can help to ensure that SharePoint meets regulatory and compliance requirements, such as HIPAA or GDPR. This ensures that organizations are compliant with legal and regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of fines or legal action.

Overall, testing is critical for both SharePoint Online and SharePoint On-Premises deployments, as it helps to ensure that the platform is working as intended and meeting the needs of end-users. By investing in testing, organizations can improve functionality, enhance performance, increase security, reduce downtime, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

What Do You Think?

Did this work for you?

Could I have done something better?

Have I missed something?

Please share your thoughts and let me know if there are particular things that you would enjoy reading further.

Cheers!