In the world of software development, one of the biggest challenges is how to achieve high test coverage without letting testing costs and lead times spiral out of control. The goal is not to test everything, but to cover the most important and most critical parts of the code as efficiently as possible – optimizing the process in terms of time, budget, and resources.
In this article, we’ll explore how to increase test coverage smartly, what common pitfalls to avoid, and how the TestNavigator heatmap and prioritization features can help you along the way.
What is test coverage and why does it matter?
Test coverage shows how much of your codebase has been tested during a given test run. This can include:
- Code coverage – how many lines, branches, or methods were executed during testing
- Functional coverage – what percentage of the software’s features were exercised
The higher the coverage, the lower the risk of hidden defects remaining in the code. However, maximizing the metric alone is not the goal! Targeted, risk-based testing is far more valuable than a theoretical 100% coverage that focuses on low business-value areas.
By using innovative visual testing tools like TestNavigator, you can get a much clearer picture of the real coverage status, recent code changes, and results from past test runs. This insight allows you to achieve higher-quality coverage throughout your testing process.
Common pitfalls in increasing test coverage
- Focusing only on the numbers – A high percentage doesn’t always mean high quality. You might cover code but miss critical or edge-case paths where defects may still hide.
- Redundant or repetitive tests – Wastes time and doesn’t add value.
- Uncovered new code – A frequent issue when tests aren’t updated after code changes, allowing new defects to slip in.
- Over-reliance on manual testing – Automate where possible, especially regression tests.
- Over-reliance on automation – Certain edge cases or UI elements are still best verified manually.
Code coverage analysis and change tracking with TestNavigator heatmaps
One of TestNavigator’s most powerful features is its heatmap visualization, which uses color coding to show which parts of the code have already been tested and which remain uncovered.
This visual analysis allows you to: Quickly identify code areas missed during testing Track changes between versions See real-time coverage data for your built software and know when it’s ready to release Prioritize untested but recently modified areas Identify the most critical test cases so they never get skipped
With this approach, both testers and developers get an accurate, actionable picture of where more testing is needed – transforming test coverage from just a number into a tool that actively increases software quality.
The advantages of automation and targeted testing
Automated testing allows you to quickly run critical functions after every change, reducing the risk of defects making it into the production environment. For targeted testing, the TestNavigator TestAdvisor algorithm is a game-changer – it determines which test cases deliver the most value in the least time and ranks scenarios by priority.
Benefits:
- Shorter test execution time
- Lower testing costs
- Higher coverage in critical areas
- Faster feedback to developers
Another major advantage is that TestNavigator allows you to manage both manual and automated testing processes within a single test cycle, with automated test results instantly visible on the platform. This means you can monitor the real coverage of your already built software in real time – a huge benefit for both testers and developers.
Coverage and quality without compromise
Increasing test coverage does not necessarily mean increasing testing costs. With TestNavigator, you can focus your testing resources on the most critical areas, enabling you to achieve the desired quality faster and more cost-effectively, all while reducing the risk of defects slipping into production.