Achieving 100% coverage is a myth, but smart coverage is a reality. Learn how to prioritize critical paths and reduce regression risks efficiently.

"Don't aim for the highest number of tests; aim for the highest confidence in your software."

1. Shift-Left Mentality

Coverage starts before the first line of code is written. By involving QA in design discussions and requirement gathering, we ensure that testability is baked in, allowing for more targeted and meaningful coverage from day one.

2. Risk-Based Prioritization

Not all features are created equal. We map out the application's critical paths—the areas where a failure would cause the most damage—and ensure they have the most robust coverage, while accepting lower coverage for low-risk, cosmetic areas.

3. Beyond Code Coverage

Traditional line coverage tools can be misleading. In 2026, we focus on functional coverage and requirement traceability. Did we test every user journey? Did we cover the edge cases defined in our playbook?

4. API-First Validation

UI tests are slow and brittle. We shift a significant portion of our coverage to the API layer, validating business logic where it's most stable and performant. This allows for faster feedback loops and greater overall resilience.

By following these steps, teams can move away from chasing arbitrary percentages and towards a strategy that delivers real, measurable quality improvement.

Better coverage is a continuous journey of refinement and focus.