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Testing is complex and advanced in the modern world. Individual teams perform critical functions within the SDLC. This includes development, testing and delivery. This has led to many inefficiencies, and the whole process has slowed. Manual testing is wasteful in certain types of testing, like regression testing, because testers have to do the same thing over and over again.
During some development cycles, the same suite of tests will be required. Automating the testing process helps testers to execute tests more quickly and effectively. In order to reduce the workload and ensure accurate and clear results, there is a growing need for automated testing in software testing teams.
What is Software Test Automation?
Automated software tests are a method for automatically validating and reviewing software products such as mobile and web applications. This ensures they meet predefined standards of code style, functionality and user experience. Automated test automation replaces human-based manual activity. Automating tests like functional or regression testing will save time. It takes less time to run exploratory tests, but more time to maintain the test scripts. This increases overall coverage.
In application development, automated software testing is used to accelerate the release of new software or apps. The main purpose of automated custom software testing is to help organizations with their testing processes, such as functional, load and stress testing. It also provides data and consistent results. Test automation tools are used by testing experts to create test cases and scripts. These scripts/test cases can then be reused. The primary features of automated testing can eliminate human error, reduce software development time, and automate repetitive work.
What Is The Purpose Of Automation Testing?
Automated testing is important for many reasons in the software lifecycle. Explore some of the key reasons organizations adopt automation testing.
- Automated testing allows for a wider scope of coverage: Organizations can use a test automation platform to create test scripts that cover a variety of scenarios and test cases. This ensures thorough validation of software functionality. Automated tests can help organizations achieve higher levels of test coverage and improve software reliability.
- Consistency and Reusability: Automation testing eliminates the human element from test execution, ensuring consistency. You can reuse scripts for testing across different software versions and test cycles by using a test automation platform. This reuse not only promotes consistency but also saves time.
- Early Detection: Automation testing allows early detection of issues. Automated tests can be run at various stages, such as integration and regression testing, to identify potential bugs. Early defect detection can reduce costs.
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What Types Of Tests Should Be Automated?
While testing an application/software, testers cannot automate all processes involved in the testing cycle. Human supervision and participation are needed for some tests to produce better results. Automating testing with test automation platforms is not a replacement for manual testing. Still, it can help and support the entire team by reducing their workload.
Testers can determine if a test meets the following criteria to determine if it is suitable for automation:
- Manually performed tests should be repetitive and long.
- Manual testing has already verified that the testing path is predictable.
- Tests that include the testing of commonly used features that present high-risk situations
- Tests that use multiple datasets or run on different hardware and software configurations
- Human manual testing is not able to perform tests such as thousands of simultaneous users trying to log in.
You can automate a test if it meets the criteria above.
What Are The Types Of Software Automated Tests?
Prioritize the tests that a company wants to automate when implementing automation tools. All of the tests below can be performed manually or automatically.
Tests from End to End
They are among the most useful tests to implement. They simulate the end-user experience across the entire app. E2E testing can include checking that the user is able to log in, change account settings and upload pictures. These tests ensure that the app is bug-free and will work for end users.
E2E tools are able to record and replay user actions. Test plans, therefore, represent recordings of user experience flow. E2E testing of business processes will be most beneficial for products that do not have full test coverage. Automating these tests is expensive. Automate E2E testing for products that require rapid release. You may also want to do them manually.
Unit Tests
They examine individual code components. Unit tests usually cover single functions to ensure that the expected input produces the expected output. Automated unit testing is recommended for code that contains many calculations. These tests are easy to use, affordable and have a high return on investment. Since they are the lowest level of the test-automation pyramid, nearly all businesses should be using them.
Tests of Integration
Many units refer to third-party services. During testing, the codebase is unable to access the third party. Integration tests are used to mock the utilities and determine if they will work as expected. Integration tests can be cheaper than E2E and are similar to unit tests. In general, automation is cost-effective and will provide a good ROI.
Performance Tests
Performance tests measure the speed and responsiveness of an application in response to stimuli. These metrics can include the time it takes to load a page and the response time of search engine results. These tests create measurements for these metrics. Automated performance testing runs test cases against multiple metrics in order to detect any speed loss or regression.
Exploratory Testing
Exploratory testing uses unscripted tests to discover unexpected behaviors. There are automated testing solutions that can be used for exploratory tests, but these solutions are in their early stages. You can test them out if you find any software testing tools that you think will help you set up an exploratory suite. It is usually more efficient to perform these tests manually.
Code Analysis
They can be static or dynamic. They can look for flaws or style. Software automation testers will perform a code analysis while they are checking the code. Automated code analysis tests only require the configuration of rolls and tools.
Regression Testing
Regression testing is the repetition of functional and non-functional tests. It is used to determine if software that was previously developed continues to function after an upgrade. A regression is created when the test fails. Regression testing is required for almost all code modifications. It is a good candidate for automation due to its repetitive nature.
Manual testing is preferred for regression testing that identifies visual flaws, such as incorrect fonts, elements placed in the wrong places, or color schemes. Automated visual testing compares screenshots from previous versions of a product with the desired results. It is a time-consuming process that can be costly to implement. A person can spot any visual problems on a webpage quickly.
Automated Acceptance Testing
Automated acceptance testing (AAT) determines if a system meets the needs of users and is compliant with business processes. They also determine whether the end user will find the application suitable for use. Collaboration is required between the business, software developers and QA team due to the importance of AAT. Acceptance tests can be used as regression tests once they are created.
Smoke Test
Smoke tests are usually performed after a maintenance window or deployment window. These tests ensure that dependencies and services work properly. These tests are designed to find simple errors that can have serious consequences. They could lead to a release being rejected.
Smoke tests are a subset of test cases which encompass the functionality of an entire unit of code. They are usually executed via an automated deployment. The smoke test determines whether or not the program is running, if the buttons work, and if a user interface opens.
Test Automation Frameworks
Testing frameworks are crucial to the automation of tests. These frameworks provide guidelines to testers/developers on coding standards, repository administration, and the handling of test data. These frameworks are primarily designed to reduce testing and maintenance costs and provide a high return for testing teams. We will examine the various types of automated testing frameworks used by many organizations to create a good test environment.
Linear Automation Framework
This framework is designed to help testers create functions without having to write code. The steps are presented in a sequential order. This framework allows testers to record each step of the test and then play it back automatically.
Modular Testing Framework
The modular testing framework requires testers to separate the software or application under test into sections or units. Separate units or sections of the application/software are tested separately. After testing each part, individual test scripts for that section are created. Then, after combining all the parts, larger tests are built to represent different test cases. This framework's most important step is to create an abstraction layer that prevents changes made in one section from affecting the entire module.
Data-driven Framework
The data-driven framework allows testers to store data in external data sources and separate test data from script logic. This framework allows testers to use data from external sources when they need to test software or applications multiple times using different data sets. This framework uses Excel Spreadsheets as well as Text Files and CSV files.
Keyword-driven Framework
When using the keyword-driven framework for automated testing, all functions of the software/application being tested are listed in a table, with instructions specific to the order in which the test needs to be executed. This framework separates test data from script logic. In the external data table, keywords are also stored. These keywords represent various actions being performed in order to test the GUI for an application. This framework uses a shared object repository for the navigation of objects to their actions.
Hybrid Testing Framework
Hybrid frameworks are a combination of the frameworks already mentioned. This type of framework can be used to take advantage of some frameworks' strengths and minimize the weaknesses in others.
Benefits Of Software Test Automation Platform Tools For Enterprises
Automating the testing process can provide many benefits to enterprises, allowing them to create software more quickly and efficiently. Check out some of the benefits of using software/app test automation tools:
Allows for Reuse of Tests
The testing process is an important part of the software lifecycle. This process is usually very complex since it involves a great deal of manual testing and coding. Test automation tools allow QA experts to reuse test scripts for repetitive tasks. Automated scripting is used to reuse the same test case in multiple test procedures without requiring any modifications. The testers are able to retest applications continuously during the development phase, making it more efficient.
Simulates Real Situation
Test automation tools allow testers to perform tests that are impossible with manual testing. For example, they can test the system's load by testing it with thousands of simultaneous users.
Increased Scalability
Test automation tools allow organizations to increase the size of their testing teams since they can run tests around the clock.
Making Regression Testing Convenient
All functional modules must be tested to perform regression testing. Automated testing is ideal for regression testing that has a long cycle. Automated testing is designed with test scripts and scenarios to achieve the expected results. Automation of regression testing is a great way to improve efficiency and reduce the time for regression.
Reduces Delivery Time
Automation tools are faster than humans and can replace repetitive, time-consuming manual tests. This can reduce the length of software development cycles. Developers can also reduce the time it takes to integrate and release a new feature.
Savings on Time and Money
Testing is generally a lengthy process. Test automation helps testers/developers accelerate certain phases of the testing process. Test automation can help companies save money in the long term. Many organizations, both startups and multinationals, prioritize test automation as part of their digital maturity strategy. Test automation tools allow enterprises to streamline their testing processes and maximize return on investment.
Its main advantage is the integration of test automation platforms such as Appium and Selenium. This allows it to automate complex user journeys. The Platform's CI/CD capabilities enable testing teams to automatically run tests, check new builds and gain insights into performance regression.
Also Read: Creating Robust Software Solutions with Automation
Software Test Automation Best Practices
You will need to automate some tests when you first start with automated software testing. Use these best practices to improve the process.
Define Test Case Objectives
Decide on several test case goals before deciding what to automate. When determining test cases, testing stakeholders should focus on the context and the value of each case. Determine the areas that are most important for customer satisfaction. Determine the defects you want to avoid and the value added from automation.
You will have to change the goals throughout the lifecycle of the product. When deciding on the test case objectives, also consider your entire business. Software test automation can be beneficial to all departments.
Prioritize Tests
Remember that just because you are able to automate a particular test doesn't mean you should. Decide which tests are the most important for long-term continuous Integration (CI). You can disregard testing if an issue is not causing a serious problem. A test will cost you money and time on a minor issue.
You Can Ensure Reliability Across Platforms
In the digital age, there are many platforms people use to access apps. You should test the web application on both desktop and mobile browsers. Verify that it runs reliably on different platforms and operating systems. As you create and maintain your test automation, consider scalability.
Create And Maintain Tests
Try to reduce the time you spend on developing tests. Even though sophisticated and time-consuming testing may produce the desired results, you will struggle to maintain and use them over the long term.
Scalability can be improved by balancing the efforts of test creation with maintenance. Treat test code the same as production code. Save a history and a backup. Ensure that you are able to fix and maintain the system easily.
Maintain Open Communication Between Channels
Keep communication channels open when automating software programmers. It is important that all departments, including test, engineering, and business, understand the goals and tasks of each other. Miscommunications can lead to defects, which require additional testing and time to fix.
How Does Automated Testing Work?
Automated tests are conducted on a product by machines. The results determine the current state of the application in comparison to the goals. App testing automated involves feedback loops within a pyramid of testing. We must first define the levels of software testing before we can consider the automated testing steps.
Different Levels Of Testing
You can think of the levels as a pyramid.
The Unit
Unit testing is the largest part. Unit testing is a robust way to test software. They are run quickly and validate each component. These tests don't provide information on how an application functions as a unit. They can, however, pinpoint specific problems that need to be corrected.
Service
The second level is the service level. The component, API and integration tests are included in this level. These tests examine the services of the application, apart from the user interface. Service tests can be performed on any combination of components that cross a network boundary. They verify that the functions have been assembled correctly and that other components of software can communicate with necessary components.
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The third layer includes both UI and exploratory testing. The different attributes of journey tests make them riskier and more difficult to run. Changing the user interface, for example, can break many tests. The journey tests follow the path taken by the user. The tests cover a large amount of code all at once. This allows them to quickly determine if an application is working properly with fewer tests. They do not, however, tell you what part of the application has bugs.
Automation Plan
It would help if you created a comprehensive test automation strategy before you begin. This will help with management. To understand the scope, the QA team must define the testing requirements.
The Framework
A software testing framework is the first step in automating app testing. The framework contains standards, tools and practices. Most test automation frameworks use data-driven and keyword-driven approaches or are created for linear scripting and modular testing.
Automated Test Tools
Software testing tools examine different applications. Select the best one for your app. You will need a different automation software to test an Android application than you would for a Linux app.
Automation Environment
The automation environment takes care of the provisioning, management of data, and configurations for a test environment. The automation environment integrates all the processes that surround software testing. Stabilizing the environment is necessary to perform successful testing. Quality platforms provide these environments.
Test Design
You can then write test scripts after selecting the appropriate strategies, tools and environments. The creation of test scripts will speed up the product development process.
Test Execution
You can then use a pipeline orchestrator or scheduling tool to execute your tests. Parallelize test cases with no interdependencies for faster automation.
Results Analysis
You can use the test results to identify the problems. You can reuse scripts in many frameworks so that you don't have to rewrite the test. You can run another test to see if the problem has been fixed.
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Who Should be Involved in Test Automation?
A company should begin automated software testing early in a product's lifecycle. Developers and testers should collaborate to create a framework for test automation. Almost everyone in the organization is involved in automating software tests:
- Stakeholders: The stakeholders are aware of what they expect from a product and will work with you to ensure the results meet their needs.
- Development Engineers: The developer performs testing while developing. They must perform tests in integrated development environments (IDEs), such as Visual Studio or Eclipse.
- Automation Engineers: They design and implement automated processes. Automation engineers need integrations with CI and scalable tests. They also require comprehensive support for all programming languages.
- Manual Testing: Manual testers have a lot of experience testing manually and will greatly benefit from automation's record and replay features. They also benefit from scripts that can be reused with different input data in order to identify and fix problems across various platforms and environments.
Conclusion
Test automation is an important component of the development process. Test automation has revolutionized the software industry by reducing time and costs for developers and eliminating mundane tasks performed by testers. Test automation can help testing teams save money, time and resources.
Manual testing remains a vital part of the testing process. Test automation can help testers/developers to create a more efficient and positive feedback cycle. They can also improve test coverage and other aspects of the testing process. This will allow organizations to deliver their products on time and within budget. Test automation allows testers to unlock the potential of DevOps. It will allow testers to reduce bottlenecks and improve the efficiency of automated custom software development.
