A Complete Guide to Test Automation Framework
The decision of what to employ to automate tests is the most challenging for a quality assurance engineer. There are many tools and frameworks, and choosing the ideal one to take can be challenging for both newbies and seasoned QAs who are not accustomed to starting from scratch.
You will learn about test automation and its significance for the software industry, as well as what a test automation framework is, why you need to use one, and its purpose and advantages, in this Complete Guide to Test Automation Framework. Additionally, this post discusses the six different types of test automation frameworks as well as powerful test automation planning and implementation techniques.
How does test automation work?
One of the most intriguing, sought-after, and well-known areas in the context of software quality is test automation. Tests that have been automated can be conducted more frequently, at different times, at a higher rate of speed, and with little to no human involvement. Automation lessens the need for manual testing and makes it much simpler to confirm that previously successful behaviors continue to be effective.
Making automated test scripts entails writing code that will have your program perform human activities automatically. When you first have to build the fundamental structure, automating tests is typically more expensive. Even though automating a test always costs more than doing so manually, the ROI of an automated test develops over time as the test is repeated. This is how automated testing works magic!
What is a framework for test automation?
An explanation of what a test automation framework is can be found in some definitions.
“A device that offers a setting for test automation. A test harness and test libraries are typically included. – ISTQB Curriculum
“In essence, a test automation framework is a set of instructions for developing and planning test cases. It is a theoretical element of automated testing that promotes resource efficiency for testers. in Techopedia
“A test automation framework is an integrated system that determines how an individual product will be automated. The function libraries, test data sources, object specifics, and different reusable modules are all integrated into this system. These parts serve as little building pieces that must be put together to depict a business process. The framework serves as the foundation for test automation and makes the automation process simpler. Wikipedia
By combining these concepts, we can state that a test automation framework is an entire collection of different tools, rules, protocols, standards, coding methods, best practices, procedures, resources, and mechanisms to support automation testing.
Although not required, they are advised. When automating tests for an application, using a test automation framework will have a significant positive impact on the final product’s quality.
What a Test Automation Framework Is Used For
But why can’t we just be free to do as we choose and not have to use so much of this stuff? A test automation framework’s major goal is to leverage existing technologies that are being used successfully by businesses all over the world rather than inventing new ones.
When utilizing a test automation framework, our objectives are to:
- Apply the best industry standards to the application that is being tested.
- Use tools that the community is already using and that have received good reviews.
- Utilizing resources efficiently to maximize profits through test automation to expand test coverage
- Early defect identification and correction lowers project costs.
- fewer human interventions are required, allowing the deployment of machines that carry out tasks automatically
- Effectively create test automation scripts while permitting code reuse
- Reduced maintenance expenses for test automation when application changes affect the automated code
- Boost test execution performance by execution parallelization or a better-written script.
- the ROI of test automation
Why utilize Test Automation Framework and its advantages
Using a test automation framework has a number of advantages. The majority of them are well-known advantages, but it is still a good idea to evaluate them before adopting it in order to boost your knowledge and persuasiveness.
- better period to launch
It will be simpler to install test automation if you use a well-known framework because it already comes with everything you need to begin automating your application’s tests. You will be able to swiftly reach high-quality levels for the product as a result, lowering the TTM. Additionally, as you automate testing, you will be able to release system updates more quickly in the future, reducing the TTM once again.
- Use of testing resources at its best
QAs can automate tests so that once they are developed, they can be executed automatically rather than performing tests manually, which has a daily capacity constraint. Additionally, it is possible to run more tests automatically on the same infrastructure than a QA could manually by making better use of the company’s computational equipment. The company’s infrastructure costs go down as a result.
- early discovery of defects
Once your tests have been automated, you can run them at various points during the software development cycle. Given that the tests are already prepared and can be executed by the developer himself, something that would be hard to accomplish manually, it will be able to run a test suite on a specific feature while it is still under development.
- Boost test coverage
More automated tests can be created since you have more time as the number of manual tests you must run declines. By doing this, you can extend the application’s test coverage. In order to gradually improve product quality, expanding application testing coverage is crucial. You have more time to create new automated tests when you create more of them.
- speed up testing and test quantity
With automated tests, we can run more tests in a shorter amount of time, more times through the same test suite, and more tests during each test cycle. All of this is made possible by the high speed offered by automated test execution, which raises the volume and quantity of test executions throughout the software development cycle as well as during numerous project sprints.
- the ROI of test automation
If we only consider this aspect, the cost to begin test automation and to create automated test scripts is expensive. Due to the mentioned procedures, resources, rules, and best practices, using a test automation framework results in a decrease in these expenses, allowing for an outstanding test automation ROI. In case consumers are still unsure, using a test automation framework and demonstrating its high ROI helps the process of persuading them that test automation is worthwhile investing in.
- Reduce the cost of maintenance
Your automated tests’ maintenance costs will decrease if you employ a test automation framework and abide by its rules, procedures, and best practices. This is feasible as a result of the test automation framework’s strong emphasis on making your tests less expensive and easier to manage. This is crucial because, as we already know, poorly built test automation will be difficult to maintain and may end up costing more than manually performing the tests.
- reuse of code
Code reuse is one of a test automation framework’s main priorities. When a test is automated and a comparable scenario needs to be run in a different application, you can at the very least reuse the test’s structure in this new setting, and in rare circumstances, you may be able to reuse virtually the whole script that was written. The existing test automation frameworks offer the incredible prospect of code reuse.
All the aforementioned advantages will be possible for us to have by utilizing a test automation framework. These are the justifications for selecting and utilizing a test automation framework.
Well-organized, efficient, and effective test automation will result from selecting the right tool and adhering to all applicable guidelines, protocols, rules, code standards, best practices, processes, resources, and mechanisms. This will elevate the product from the start in terms of quality.
Conclusion:
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