Introduction
What is Shadow Testing?
Section titled “What is Shadow Testing?”Shadow testing is when you quietly run a new version of a system in parallel with the current one, but without exposing it to real users yet.
Why do I need it?
Section titled “Why do I need it?”Conventional software testing methodologies—such as unit testing, integration testing, functional testing, and acceptance testing, cover a wide range of scenarios and offer a substantial level of confidence. Nonetheless, these methods often fall short in replicating the full complexity of real-world interactions. Many edge cases and unpredictable combinations remain untested, leaving room for critical failures. For organizations that cannot afford such risks, an additional layer of assurance is essential.
How do I do it?
Section titled “How do I do it?”Shadow testing involves running a new version of a system in parallel with the existing one, without exposing it to end users. This technique allows teams to safely test significant changes in a live environment, capturing real-time data and behavior without impacting actual users. By comparing the outputs of both versions under the same conditions, discrepancies and regressions can be identified and addressed proactively.