What is severity and priority in ETL testing with a real time example?

In the context of software testing, severity and priority are two distinct but interconnected concepts used to communicate the impact and urgency of a defect or issue. Let's explore these terms in the context of ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) testing with a real-time example:

1. Severity:

   • Definition: Severity refers to the impact or seriousness of a defect on the system's functionality. It assesses how much the defect disrupts or hinders the normal operation of the software.

   • Levels of Severity:

     • Critical: Defects that render the system unusable or cause a critical failure.
     • Major: Significant issues that impact key functionalities.
     • Moderate: Defects with moderate impact on functionalities.
     • Minor: Minor issues that do not significantly impact core functionalities.
     • Cosmetic: Defects related to the user interface or appearance but do not affect functionality.

   • Example in ETL Testing:

     • Scenario: In an ETL process, a critical defect is identified where the transformation logic applied to a key financial calculation is incorrect. As a result, financial reports generated from the data warehouse show inaccurate figures, leading to potential financial losses for the organization.

     • Severity: Critical

     • Explanation: The defect has a severe impact on the financial data accuracy, making it critical for immediate attention. Financial reports are a core aspect of the business, and inaccuracies could have significant consequences.

2. Priority:

   • Definition: Priority represents the urgency or importance assigned to fixing a defect. It reflects the order in which defects should be addressed based on business needs, deadlines, or other considerations.

   • Priority Levels:

     • High: Requires immediate attention and should be addressed as a top priority.
     • Medium: Important but not critical; can be addressed in the normal course of development.
     • Low: Defects that are minor or can be deferred until a later stage.

   • Example in ETL Testing:

     • Scenario: In the same ETL process mentioned earlier, a high-priority defect is identified where a transformation rule for non-critical data elements results in data loss during the loading phase.

     • Priority: High

     • Explanation: While not as critical as the financial miscalculation, the defect has a high priority because it involves data loss, which can impact the overall data integrity and downstream processes.

In summary, severity reflects the impact on system functionality, while priority reflects the urgency of fixing the defect. Both severity and priority help testing and development teams prioritize their efforts and resources effectively based on business requirements and constraints. The combination of severity and priority guides the team in determining which defects need immediate attention and which can be addressed in subsequent development cycles.