Automation testing is a crucial step in the software development process. Many modern technologies for test automation today make it simpler for businesses to use them to get effective good results. In fact, it quickly displaces manual testing as the most used technique for testing software. Are you interested in this domain testing but unsure of what automation is?
Let us walk you through the fundamentals and automation testing meaning, why to do automation testing, and the entire test automation process.
What is Automation?
What is the definition of automation testing? To understand the definition, we must understand that automation testing is a process. It is the process of creating a technology that can assist in creating products and various services, known as automation. The production previously carried out by humans is now being monitored thanks to this procedure.
Automation is a method that can be used in various industries, including transportation, manufacturing, information technology, and facilities management, among many others. Automation processes are primarily created to minimize human labor, improve production accuracy, and shorten production times.
What is Automation Testing?
Utilizing specialized testing tools and frameworks, automation testing assesses software items to minimize human involvement and maximize quality. Software that controls the execution of tests in line with written test scripts is used to conduct automation testing. They are then compared to the anticipated results to verify the application's dependability and accuracy.
Thus, one can carry out important repetitive operations and those that are challenging to do with manual testing by using automation testing. Also, if you wish to become a successful automation tester, you can enroll in Software Testing classes provided by knowledgehut.
Why is Automation Testing Required?
Why do we need automation testing? Well, a product that a business develops will inevitably have flaws. Before releasing the product, the company must find any issues to guarantee a seamless consumer experience. The testing team carries out various functional and non-functional testing procedures to ensure the overall product's reliability, effectiveness, and enhanced user experience.
Although testers do both manual and automated testing, automation testing requires less human labor and yields more reliable results. It saves a lot of time—all of which help the product be delivered more quickly.
Process of Automation Testing
The stages of an automation process are as follows -
1. Test Tool Selection
For automation to be successful, selecting the appropriate tool based on the type of test involved is crucial. Choosing the appropriate tools for code-driven testing, process-based testing, or graphical user interface-based testing is necessary. The project's requirements, programming skills, project budget (whether to choose a free or paid tool), etc., play a role in the tool selection process.
2. Define the Scope of Automation
The scope of automation testing refers to the portion of your Application Under Test that will be automated. The following elements determine the scope -
- The factors that are essential to the business's success
- scenarios with a large amount of data
- Shared features between several apps
- Possibility from a technological perspective
- the proportion of recycled business components
3. Planning, Design, and Development
One should choose what an automated test would do after deciding on the aim and the testing type to automate. First, break down the test cases into smaller, logical tests. Next, create test scripts and test suites, which are run sequentially through automation. This is produced by building a test in a framework similar to a library with numerous test cases.
4. Test Execution
Automation Scripts are run in this stage. The scripts require test input before they can be set up to execute. After running, they produce thorough test findings. The test management tool can launch the automation tool or be utilized directly. A detailed report on each test must be made after the final execution for other tests to use the report as a reference.
5. Maintenance
Each cycle requires new, updated, and maintained automation scripts. For instance, after writing code, we check it to see if there are any bugs or if any failure happens. As a result, we locate the problematic code section, correct it, and run the entire program from scratch. Therefore, maintenance is crucial, which improves the necessity of automation scripts.
Different Types of Automation Testing
In the following section, let's learn about the different types of automation testing.
1. Smoke Testing
Because this test assures that the software is secure to be evaluated further without the risk of starting a fire, it is known as a "smoke test." Smoke tests are used to check the stability and functionality of the software. If the application doesn't meet that standard at this stage, it should be returned to the development team.
2. Unit Testing
As its name suggests, this step involves testing each of the software's separate parts or pieces. The very first stage of testing, known as unit testing, is typically carried out manually by developers before sending the product to testers, while it is also possible for it to be automated.
3. Integration Testing
The main goal of integration testing is to evaluate the various components and modules of the program as a whole. It determines whether each software integration satisfies the solution's functional requirements. This testing procedure examines the interactions between each integration.
4. Functional Testing
A type of software testing known as functional testing verifies a software system against functional specifications and requirements. Each function of the software program is tested using functional tests, which involve supplying the right input and comparing the output to the functional requirements.
5. Keyword Testing
The main goal of keyword-driven testing is to link a certain term or group of keywords to a particular set of actions. When a keyword is utilized, it decides whether the planned action is carried out. Because it is adaptable, reusable, and simple to use, keyword-driven testing is well-liked even by non-technical users.
6. Regression Testing
This test ensures that an application has been appropriately updated with new functionality, features, or code. Regression testing is used whenever a program is altered in any way. It determines whether or not the new modification causes the application to function as intended.
7. Data-Driven Testing
Each test case typically runs using a set of data kept separately in a table or spreadsheet. Every time you create new data, you waste time and resources. The usage of the same data for various test cases is implied by data-driven testing. This procedure is made simpler by encouraging code reuse.
8. Black-box testing
The software testing technique known as "black box testing" is one in which the testers are unaware of the inner workings of the program being tested. Black box testing gets its name from the fact that the tester is unaware of anything inside the software being tested.
Importance of Automation Testing
The importance of automation testing includes the following -
- Tests are completed 70% faster than manually.
- Additional application features are examined.
- Reliable in terms of results.
- Maintain consistency.
- Save both time and money.
- Enhances accuracy.
- There is no need for human involvement during the execution.
- Improve Productivity.
- Accelerated test execution.
- Test frequently and completely.
- A longer cycle of execution is possible with automation.
While the test automation tool market is flooded with both paid and unpaid options, listed below are some of the most widely used test automation tools available:
1. Selenium
Selenium is an open-source test automation tool. It boasts a sizable and vibrant community. Among all the well-known tools, it has the largest market share and enables scripting in a variety of languages, including Java, Python, Ruby, Javascript, C#, etc.
2. TestProject
Tricentis's TestProject is a free community-driven automated testing platform. Both web and mobile applications can be automated using it.
3. Ranorex
A paid tool with record and playback features. This allows us to automate applications for Android, iOS, and Windows. It offers recording and playback in addition to scripting using VB and C# scripts.
4. Tosca
It is a commercial solution from Tricentis that offers record and playback capabilities for automating windows programs, web applications, and APIs. It's regarded as one of the most well-liked codeless automation technologies that may eliminate the need for scripting entirely.
5. UFT One
It is a premium micro-focus product that can automate Windows and Web applications. Only VBScript scripting is supported in this tool.
The features stated below should be looked for while choosing an automation tool.
- Environmental Assistance
- Testing a database
- Tests for Object Identification, Images, and Error Recovery
- Multiple frames support
- Minimize costs
- Comprehensive test reports.
- User friendly
- Database Validation
- Support for a variety of test kinds, such as functional, test management, mobile, and more
Bottom Line
You now know more about automation testing, how it varies from manual testing, how it benefits businesses, types of automation testing, and so on. Every industry is using automated processes more frequently every day as it improves their markets. The method helps save time, lower production costs, and reach higher productivity levels. So why not seize this once-in-a-lifetime chance to upgrade your skills with KnowledgeHut Software Testing classes and find the job of your dreams?
