Maximizing Quality Assurance with Automated Testing

Additionally, data entry into the System Under Test, a comparison of expected and actual test outcomes, and the creation of thorough test reports are all capabilities of automation testing software.

The cost and resource requirements for software test automation are high.

It will be necessary to repeatedly run the same test suite during subsequent development cycles. This test suite can be recorded and repeated using test automation software.

An automated test suite eliminates the need for human intervention. Test Automation has a higher ROI. Automating test cases is not the goal of automation. Its to reduce manual testing.

Why Test Automation?

Software testing can be improved by automating the test process. Software testing automation is essential for the following reasons:

1. Manual testing of all workflows and fields is expensive.
2. Manual testing of multilingual websites is not easy
3. Software testing can be automated without human intervention.
4. Test automation increases the speed of execution
5. Automated testing increases test coverage
6. Manual testing can be boring and error-prone.

What Test Cases Should Be Automated?

To increase automation ROI, test cases can be selected based on the following criteria.

1. High-Risk - Business Critical Test Cases
2. Test cases are executed repeatedly
3. Manually performing test cases that are difficult or tedious is not recommended.
4. Time-consuming test cases

The following test cases fall into a category that cannot be automated:

1. Newly designed test cases that have not been executed manually at least one time
2. Test cases for which requirements change frequently
3. Test cases that are run on a sporadic basis.

Automated Testing Process:

The steps of an Automation Process

Step 1) Test Tool Selection

Step 2) Define scope for Automation

Step 3: Planning, Design and Development

Step 4) Execution of the Test

Step 5) Maintenance

Step 1: Test Tool Selection

The choice of Test Tool is heavily influenced by the technology that the Application Under Test was built on. QTP, for example, does not support Informatica.

QTP cant be used to test Informatica applications. Proof of Concept of Tool is a good idea.

Step 2) Define Scope Of Automation

Scope is defined as the area in your Application Under Test that will be automated. Scope can be determined by the following factors:

1. What is important to the business?
2. Scenarios with a lot of data
3. Common Functionalities Across Applications
4. Technical feasibility
5. How much business components can be reused
6. Complexity of test cases
7. Cross-browser compatibility with the same test cases

Step 3: Planning, Design And Development

You create a strategy and plan for automation qa testing, which includes the following information.

1. Selecting automation tools
2. The Framework Design and Its Features
3. Automation Items in Scope and out of scope
4. Automated test bed preparation
5. Schedule and timeline of scripting and performance
6. Automated Testing Deliverables

Step 4) Execution Of The Test

Automated Scripts will be executed in this phase. Before they can be run, the scripts require input of test data.

After they are executed, detailed test reports will be generated.

The automation tool can be invoked directly by the Test Management Tool or indirectly through it.

For example, The Test Management Tool, Quality Center, will then use QTP to run automation scripts. Scripts may be run on a single computer or on groups of machines.

To save time, the script can be executed at night.

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Step 5) Test Automation Maintenance Method

The Test Automation Maintenance Approach is a stage of automation testing that examines the functionality of new features that have been added to software.

When new automation scripts need to be added, maintenance in automation testing takes place. This is done to ensure that the scripts continue to work effectively with each release cycle.

Framework for Automation

Frameworks are a set of guidelines for automation that helps in

1. Consistency in Testing
2. Tests are now better structured
3. Code Minimum Usage
4. Code Maintenance is Reduced
5. Reusability is improved
6. Code can be tested by non-technical testers
7. Training time for using the tool is reduced
8. Use data wherever it is appropriate

Automation software testing uses four different types of frameworks:

1. Data Driven Automation Framework
2. Keyword Driven Automation Framework
3. Modular Automation Framework
4. Hybrid Automation Framework

Best Practices For Automation Tools

For maximum ROI from automation, follow these steps

1. Before the start of a project, the scope of Automation should be defined in detail. It is important to set the right expectations for Automation.
2. Choose the right automation tool. A tool should not be chosen based on popularity but rather according to its suitability for the automation needs.
3. Select the appropriate framework
4. Scripting Standards - Standards must be followed when writing scripts for Automation. Some of them include:
   1. Create uniform comments, scripts and indentation for the code
   2. Adequate Exception Handling - How errors are handled when the system fails or unexpected behavior occurs in an application.
   3. For software testers, it is important to code or standardize user-defined messages for Error Logging.
5. Measuring metrics - The success of automation cant be determined just by comparing manual efforts with automation efforts, but also by measuring the metrics below.
   1. Percentage of defects found
   2. Each release cycle requires a certain amount of time for automated testing
   3. Release takes minimal time
   4. Customer Satisfaction Index
   5. Productivity Improvement

If you follow the above guidelines, your automation will be a success.

Automated Testing: Benefits

Test Automation has many benefits.

1. 70 percent faster than manual testing
2. Test coverage for application features is now wider
3. Results that are reliable
4. Ensure Consistency
5. Savings in Time and Money
6. Increased accuracy
7. No human intervention is required during execution
8. Increased Efficiency
9. Tests can be executed faster
10. Test scripts that can be reused
11. Test frequently and thoroughly
12. Automation can increase the number of cycles that a cycle executes.
13. Early Time to Market

Types Of Automated Testing

1. Smoke Testing
2. Unit Testing
3. Integration Testing
4. Functional Testing
5. Keyword Testing
6. Regression Testing
7. Data Driven Testing
8. Black Box Testing

How Do I Choose An Automation Tool?

It can be difficult to choose the best tool for your needs. The criteria below will help you choose the right tool for your needs.

1. Environment Support
2. Easy of Use
3. Test Database
4. Object Identification
5. Image Testing
6. Error Recovery Testing
7. Object Mapping
8. The Scripting Languages Used
9. Support for different types of tests - functional, test management and mobile.
10. Support for multiple test frameworks
11. Automated software is easy to debug
12. Recognize objects in any environment
13. Test reports and results are extensive
14. Reduce the cost of training for selected tools

The selection of the right tool is one of the biggest challenges that must be overcome before automating. To begin, identify the requirements, then explore the various tools, determine the expectations from the tool, and finally, go for a Proof Of Concept.

Read More: Unlocking the true potential of Software Testing with AI

Automated Testing Tools

There are several functional and regression testing tools available on the market. The top test automation tools have been accredited by our specialists.

TestRigor

TestRigor allows you to express your tests in plain English as executable specifications. All users can create end-to-end tests of any complexity, covering API, mobile and web steps.

The test steps are defined at the level of end-users, rather than relying solely on implementation details like XPaths and CSS Selectors.

Features:

1. Download the free version for ever
2. The test cases are only available in English
3. Unlimited Users & Unlimited Tests
4. Learn automation the easy way
5. Recorder for web steps
6. Integrations with CI/CD, Test Case Management and other tools
7. Test Email and SMS
8. Test Web + Mobile and API in One Step

MABL

Mabl is a low-code, intelligent test automation tool for teams that work at high speeds. It allows the team to execute and maintain reliable browser, mobile, API and accessibility web tests.

Features:

1. Low-code UI Test Designer with Auto-Healing
2. Email and PDF testing included in cross-browser tests
3. Low-code API test designer, Postman-compatible
4. A11y performance and testing insights
5. CLI Tools and Native CI Integration
6. Jira integration of comprehensive diagnostic data
7. Parallel testing and unlimited local executions
8. Reporting that is comprehensive and insightful

Kobiton

Kobiton's mobile device test platform provides script-based or scriptless automation. Users can create automated tests from manual tests.

Kobiton supports all test automation frameworks, including Appium, Espresso, and XCTest. They also offer their own scriptless automation via NOVA AI.

Features:

1. Kobiton's device management allows you to connect with devices on the cloud as well as your local devices on premises.
2. By converting manual testing sessions into scripts, users can create automated test scripts. These scripts can then be run on multiple devices.
3. Integrate your defect management software to automatically create tickets and attach debug sessions when a test fails.
4. Kobiton's Appium Anywhere ensures that your test scripts are less flaky by ensuring they run the same way on all devices.
5. Kobitons scriptless test automation generates Appium code that is 100% open and standard for flexible usage.

LambdaTest

LambdaTest has become one of the top tools for automated cross-browser testing. Users can run tests on more than 2000 browsers and operating systems using a fast, secure, and scalable selenium grid.

It supports both the latest and legacy web browsers.

The following are some examples of

1. Test execution is quick and seamless with the latest tech stack.
2. Parallel testing to reduce test cycles
3. Integration with CI/CD tools, project management and team communication software.
4. Users can test their local website and geolocation by performing tests.
5. All data can be extracted using APIs
6. Support for major languages and frameworks

Avo Assure

Avo Assure provides intelligent and heterogeneous automated testing without requiring any code. Avo Assure allows you to automate test cases and execute them without having to write a line of code.

Features:

1. 100% no-code
2. Heterogeneous: Test on web, Windows, non-UI platforms (web services, batch tasks), mobile platforms (Android, IOS), ERPs and Mainframes and their associated emulators
3. Accessibility Testing
4. Smart scheduling allows you to run test cases independently or simultaneously in a single VM. Schedule execution during non-business hours
5. Reporting that is easy to understand and intuitive
6. Pre-built keyword pack with 1500+ keywords
7. Integration with Jira and other tools, such as Jenkins, ALM QTest, Salesforce Sauce Labs TFS etc.

Selenium

This is a tool for Regression Testing. This open-source testing tool provides recording and playback capabilities for Regression Testing.

Selenium IDE supports only Mozilla Firefox as a web browser.

1. The software allows you to export scripts in other languages such as Java, Ruby RSpec, Python C# etc.
2. Use it with frameworks such as JUnit or TestNG
3. The software can run multiple tests simultaneously
4. Selenium autocomplete commands that are commonly used
5. Walkthrough tests
6. Identifies an element by using its id (identifier), name, X path, etc.
7. Store tests in HTML, Ruby Script and other formats
8. The title of each page can be displayed.
9. This file supports the selenium user extensions.js file
10. This feature allows you to add comments right in the middle of a script, for easier understanding and debugging.

Test Automation Best Practices

Test automation has many benefits. By adhering the best automated testing practices, you can make sure that your testing strategy delivers maximum ROI.

Automated tests will help you improve software quality, reduce your development cycle and avoid repetitive and cumbersome tasks. But how do you start? These best practices are a great foundation for improving the quality of your software.

A thorough testing process is essential to the success and longevity of any software product. Most people will not buy or use your software if it doesnt function properly.

Testing to find bugs or defects is expensive, time-consuming and repetitive. Its also prone to human error. Automation testing is a way for Quality Assurance to improve the quality of software and maximize their limited testing resources.

Test automation tools such as TestComplete allow teams to test more code faster. They also improve test accuracy and free up QA engineers to focus on the tests that need manual attention.

These top tips will help you to get the most out of your software testing and maximize your return on investment.

1. Select the test cases to automate
2. Choose the Right Automated Test Tool
3. Dividing your automated testing efforts
4. Test data that is of high quality
5. Develop automated tests that can withstand user interface modifications.

Select The Test Cases To Automate

Since its not practical to automate every test, you should determine which cases to automate first.

Automated testing benefits are directly related to the number of times a test can be performed. Manual testing is better for tests that are performed only a few time.

Automating test cases that require a lot of data and are frequently run is a good idea.

Automating the following will maximize your automated testing results.

1. Tests that are repeated for multiple builds.
2. Human error is prone to occur in tests.
3. Multiple data sets are required for tests that require them.
4. High-risk conditions are introduced by frequently used functions.
5. Tests impossible to carry out manually.
6. Tests run on different hardware and software configurations.
7. Manual testing can be time-consuming and difficult.

Test automation is only possible with careful planning and design. Create an automation plan. You can use this plan to determine the first set of automated tests and as a guideline for future tests.

You should first define the goal of automated testing, and then determine what types of tests you want to automate. Each type of testing has a place in the process. Unit testing, for example, is used to test only a small portion of an application.

Functional or GUI testing is used to test a specific piece of an applications user interface.

You should determine what your automated tests are going to do after determining the goal and types of tests you want to automate.

Do not create test steps which test different aspects of an applications behavior all at once. It is difficult to debug and edit large, complex automated test. Divide your tests into smaller, logical tests. This makes your testing environment more manageable, and you can share code, data and processes.

By adding smaller tests to address new functionality, you can update your automated testing more often. You should test the functionality of the application as it is added, instead of waiting until you have implemented the entire feature.

Try to create tests that are small and focused on a single objective. Separate tests, for example, can be created to test read-only and read/write.

You can use the individual tests again and again without having to include them in each automated test.

You can combine several automated tests to create a larger test. You can group automated tests based on the functional area of the application, the major/minor divisions within the application, the common functions, or the base set test data.

You may need to create an order for tests if the automated test references other tests.

Read More: Benefits & Importance of Quality Assurance in Software Development

Choose The Right Automated Test Tool

Test automation is impossible without an automated test tool. On the market, there are a lot of automated testing products.

It is crucial to choose the option that best meets your requirements.

When selecting an automated test tool, consider these important factors:

1. support for your technology and platform. Which OS systems are you going to test with?Applications made with.NET, C#, or WPF? Are you going to test web applications? Do you require assistance testing mobile applications? Do you use iOS, Android, or both?
2. Flexible testing for testers at all levels of expertise. Does your QA department have the ability to write automated test scripts? Or do you need keyword testing for certain products?
3. It is easy to create automated test that are rich in features. The automated testing tool should support both manual and automated test creation. Does it have features to implement checkpoints for verifying values, databases or key functionality in your application?
4. Create automated tests that are maintainable, reusable, and resilient to UI changes in the application. Will the UI update cause my automated test to fail?
5. Integrate your tool with the existing ecosystem. Integrate your tool with your existing ecosystem. Or with your test management framework, such as Zephyr. What about a defect management system such as Jira or a source-control system such as Git.
6. Test enterprise applications. Is your tool able to test packaged applications like SAP, Oracle Salesforce and Workday out of the box?

Dividing Your Automated Test Efforts

QA engineers are usually able to create different tests based on their skill level. You should identify the experience and skill level of each member of your team and divide your automated test efforts accordingly.

Writing automated test scripts, for example, requires expert scripting language knowledge. To perform these tasks you need QA engineers who are familiar with the scripting language used by the automated test tool.

Some team members might not be as skilled at creating automated test scripts. The test case writing skills of these QA engineers are better.

A nice example of an automated testing solution that enables you to write automated tests without being familiar with scripting languages is TestCompletes capability of keyword tests. A set of keywords that carry out a certain activity are used in keyword tests, also known as keyword-driven testing.

With keyword tests, keystrokes can be simulated. Additionally, you can call object methods or properties and click on buttons and menu elements. Sometimes keyword tests are used in place of automated test scripts.

They can be utilised by both technical and non-technical persons and are simpler to use than scripts.

It is also a good idea to collaborate with other QA engineers within your department on your automated test project.

The testing performed in a group is more effective at finding defects, and you can share your projects among the team when you hire qa testers with the right automated test tool.

Test Data That Is Of High Quality

Data-driven testing is extremely beneficial when you have good test data. Data that is to be entered in input fields for an automated test are usually stored externally.

The data can be read from a data source such as a database, text files or XML, Excel sheets or database tables. Good automated testing tools can understand the data files contents and perform iterations on them. External data can make your automated tests more reusable and maintainable.

Without needing to change the automated test, the data files may be simply expanded with new data to include additional scenarios.

In most cases, test data is created manually and saved to the desired storage. TestComplete offers a Data Generator to help you create Table variables or Excel files for storing test data.

This method allows you to generate data in the desired format (integers, strings, boolean, etc.) and save it automatically into the variable or file specified. This feature allows you to reduce the amount of time required for preparing data for data-driven testing. TestComplete has a section on using data generators that provides more information about generating test results.

It is tedious to create test data, but it is worth the effort. Writing automated tests is much easier when you have good test data.

The earlier you can create high-quality test data, the easier and faster it will be to extend automated tests as the application develops.

Create Automated Tests That Are Resistant To Changes In The User Interface

The application being tested is dependent on automated tests created using scripts or keyword tests. The interface of an application can change, particularly in early stages.

These changes can affect test results or stop your automated tests from working with future versions. In order to find and recognise an object, automated testing techniques rely on a variety of features. Coordinates for the objects location may occasionally be used by a testing tool.

If the caption of the control or its location changes, then the automated test cannot find the object and fails. You may have to change the old names in the project before you can run the test on the new application version. If you give your controls unique names, your automated test will be resistant to these UI updates and work without any changes.

It also prevents automated testing tools from using location coordinates, which are less stable and break easily.

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Conclusion

Test Automation is an automated software testing technique which uses special software to run a set of test cases.

Software testing can be improved by automating tests to improve their effectiveness, test coverage and speed. The technology that the Application Under Test was developed on has a significant impact on the test tool selection.

Test Automation Maintenance Approach (TAMA) is a phase of automation testing that tests whether or not the new features added to software work properly.

Automation success is dependent on the right automation tool selection, testing process and team. Both manual and automated methods are necessary for successful testing.

References

1. 🔗 Google scholar
2. 🔗 Wikipedia
3. 🔗 NyTimes