Testidoubles

Testidoubles is a term that refers to the practice of employing two distinct testing methodologies in parallel or in quick succession to validate software or data. The primary goal is to increase confidence in the accuracy and reliability of the results by cross-referencing outcomes from different approaches. This can involve using two different automated testing frameworks to execute the same test cases, or comparing the results of manual testing with automated testing. Another common application is in data validation, where data is processed or transformed through two separate systems or algorithms, and the outputs are compared for consistency. The assumption is that if two independent testing methods produce the same or equivalent results, the likelihood of an error or discrepancy is significantly reduced. This strategy is particularly useful in critical systems where errors can have severe consequences, or in complex systems where understanding the root cause of a failure can be challenging. Testidoubles can also be employed during migration projects to ensure data integrity after moving information from one platform to another. While it offers enhanced assurance, this method requires more resources in terms of time, tools, and personnel.