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Beginner's Guide to Automation Testing

by Syntax Technologies Software Testing Training

Automation testing not only frees up testers from having to run the same test cases repeatedly, but it also speeds up execution and reduces the likelihood of human error. Wouldn't it be nice to have something as useful as automation testing at your disposal?

Here, let's discover more about automation testing.

What is automation testing?

By automating manual testing, human efforts are rendered useless. Your test cases are run using an automation tool. These automation technologies provide thorough test reports without the need for human interaction, automatically enter test data into the system being tested, and compare predicted and actual findings.

Why do I invest additional funds in automated testing?

The advantages of SDET Training that are listed below will persuade you to think about it for your system and assure you that it won't be a waste of money.

· When you need to run the same test cases again for a large number of times, test automation tools let you record the test suite and replay it as needed

· By doing so, it gets rid of the monotony of running the same test scenario repeatedly. Since automated test suits don't require human intervention, it also raises ROI

· Testing through automation saves time because it can take a long time to manually test every scenario on all available browsers and devices

· It can be very challenging to manually test multilingual websites; for this reason, automated testing is highly helpful in this situation

· In the case of lengthy test cases, automated testing allows for overnight abandonment.

· Accelerates the testing process

· It provides a broader range of test cases

· Automated testing does a great job of addressing this problem because manual testing can occasionally be tedious and error-prone

Be careful when determining whether to automate your test cases and when not to because it is not a good idea to automate all types of testing.

We should automate which test cases

Our main goal is to increase ROI. Here are a few test cases you can think about automating in light of it.

· Cases with High Risk and Business Criticality

· Repeated execution of test cases

· Arduous or challenging exam cases

· Test scenarios that take a while

Some test cases are more appropriate for manual testing than others. Therefore, it is best to avoid automating certain test cases.

Test cases with recently created, never manually executed, and regularly changing requirements

Ad-hoc test execution of test cases.

Which of the following automation testing myths are true?

Software testing is the subject of numerous myths. Before beginning your automation testing, it's critical to understand these misunderstandings.

The following are some typical myths about automation testing:

Testing is entirely replaced by automation.

There is no doubt that automation testing does not entirely replace manual testing. Many unforeseen circumstances could call for human intervention, and manual testing is sometimes the best way to identify mistakes.

Manual testing offers a solution to all types of testing, hence automation testing is not required

On the other hand, some individuals think that everything can be accomplished manually. However, there are other situations, such as regression testing, when manual testing is ineffective and may require more time to complete the job.

Time is wasted a lot by automation

Although it may appear that automating the tests takes a lot of time, when everything is said and done, SDET can actually save us a lot of time.

Automation Is Quite Simple

Contrary to popular belief, automation testing is not a simple task. It's not an easy process to write test scripts; it demands expertise and experience. However, if you know how to write the test cases, it is undoubtedly simpler than manual testing.

Only regression testing is automated

Regression testing is the only purpose of too much automation testing. However, the truth is that it also covers a wide range of other topics, including product setup, security, compatibility, and many others.

Cooperation between the testers is not necessary for automation testing

The idea that cooperation amongst testers has nothing to do with automation testing is a total fiction. Automation testing involves close collaboration amongst the testers, much as software development as a whole necessitates engineering fine-tuning.

It provides a quicker ROI

Expecting fast results on your automation expenditures is a significant mistake because automation testing is a long-term process. To begin seeing a good ROI, you must be very patient.

Only bugs are found by automated testing

Let us acquaint you with automated testing's additional advantages if you are the type of person who thinks it just detects faults. It provides insightful statistics and information that enhance the finished product and address a number of technical problems.

What should you do in automation testing and what shouldn't you?

For everything, there are always Dos and Don'ts. For you to complete your assignment successfully, certain dos and don'ts are crucial. The following automation testing dos and don'ts might assist you in carrying out your testing efficiently.

Test Automation Dos and Don'ts

Divide your tests into more manageable and independent scenarios

You can easily identify problems by using shorter, more precise scenarios. Troubleshooting is challenging with a single test scenario.

Pick your automated tests carefully

Be very creative when choosing which test cases to automate because automating all of them is not a good idea.

Don't rush; begin modest

Do not rush to produce the entire test suits at once. Only automate what is necessary while adhering to the project's workflow.

Place Priorities

Set work priorities. Give test cases for the key functionalities more time than for the basic and unimportant ones.

Work with experts

You can expect more benefits if you hire a professional to handle your automated testing needs.

Testing Automation Don'ts

Avoid automating from the very first day

Do not rush the automation of your test cases. Give your project some time, and see how much of it can be automated.

Avoid attempting to run everything simultaneously

Testing everything constantly is definitely not a smart idea. Don't waste time testing every feature; instead, focus exclusively on the functionalities that need testing.

Avoid automating any manual tests

It is not a good idea to automate everything. Software testing places a great deal of importance on manual testing because it often uncovers the most unforeseen flaws.

Avoid automating everything

Don't just automate everything; it can be a time and money waste.

Keep an Eye on Future Development

Never assume that your automation testing is complete. Keep tabs on the project's developments and don't forget to add test cases for them.

How can test cases be automated?

There is a set procedure for automating test cases. Here are the fundamental procedures to adhere to while automating your test cases.

Choosing a test tool

The test tool that we choose is heavily influenced by the platform that your application is built on. Conducting a Proof of Concept of Tool on the Application Under Test is an excellent idea.

Define the automation's reach

Your application's scope is the section that includes the following:

· scenarios with a lot of information

· Business-critical characteristics

· Common features shared by all applications

· Technology readiness

· Reusable test cases for components

· intricate test cases

· Testable components for cross-browser testing

Development, Design, and Planning

Automation, strategy, design, and development are the main focuses of this phase. The following points should be included in your automation planning and design:

· Select Automation tools

· The Framework's design and characteristics

· Preparation of an automation testbed

· Schedule and timetables for scripting and performance

· Every Deliverable

Execution of tests

It's finally time to run the test cases. The input test data are set to run during this phase, and after execution, the test report is generated. Through automation tools, you can carry out test cases directly, or you can use test management tools to further activate the automation tools.

Maintenance

The ongoing and crucial phase of the automation testing life cycle is maintenance. Automation scripts must be evaluated and updated whenever new functionalities are added to the system being tested. In order to increase the effectiveness of automation scripts, maintenance becomes crucial.

What different strategies are there for automating testing?

The STLC must include automation testing. You can use one of these three methods to complete it.

· Code-Driven: Code-driven automation testing, which is frequently employed in agile software development, focuses on determining whether or not the code performs as expected.

· Graphical user interface (GUI) testing: It's for programmes with lots of GUIs. Here, user behaviours can be recorded and analysed numerous times. Multiple languages, including C#, Java, Perl, Python, etc., are supported for the test cases.

· Test Automation Framework: To facilitate the efficient execution of automation testing, a set of automation guidelines, modularity, project hierarchies, concepts, coding standards, reporting mechanisms, practises, processes, test data injections, etc. are predefined.

These are the several techniques you can use to automate software testing. Let's study more about the most crucial one, the Framework for Automation, in depth now.

To efficiently carry out automation testing, a number of preset rules, project hierarchies, concepts, coding standards, reporting mechanisms, procedures, methods, test data injections, etc. are provided. To achieve successful outcomes while automating test cases, follow these recommendations.

What benefits does the Test Automation Framework offer?

· makes it easier to reuse code

· ensures consistency in testing

· Provides complete coverage

· minimal amount of code

· scenario for recovery

· inexpensive code maintenance

· low levels of manual intervention

· when necessary, data engagement

· shorter training duration

· Simple Reporting

· improved test structure

In automated software testing, there are five different types of frameworks:

· Data-driven Framework: It concentrates on distancing the logic of test scripts from the test data.

· Focusesing on sequential or linear recording and replay of test scripts, the linear scripting framework.

· The creation of distinct test scripts for each module of an application using a modular testing framework.

· A combination of all the frameworks that draws on the strengths of each is known as a hybrid testing framework.

· Framework based on keywords: tests are run in accordance with the test scripting that is done based on the keywords supplied in the excel sheet.

What are the best practises for automation testing?

You can improve your ROI and achieve the greatest results from your automation testing by following the recommended practises listed below:

· Setting the Automation scope before beginning the project is generally advisable. It aids in establishing realistic project expectations.

· Your testing outcomes can significantly change if you choose the appropriate automation tool. Always choose the tool that best meets your needs rather than the one with the most ratings and most users.

· The framework is crucial to the effectiveness of automation testing. Create a structure for your automation by taking your time.

· Always adhere to the greatest scripting guidelines. To satisfy your needs, you can adhere to the guidelines listed below.

· Create consistent scripts, comments, and code indentation.

· Be ready to manage exceptions; the automation tool should be capable of handling unforeseen mistakes and exceptions.

· The error logging messages ought to be standardised for the benefit of testers.

· Metrics are necessary to define automation success. You can't just contrast the manual and automated efforts. The metrics listed below can help you determine whether your automation test was successful:

· percentage of defects

· an increase in productivity

· Time for each cycle of automation testing

· Minimal release Time

· Customer Satisfaction Index

What Benefits Come with Automation Testing?

It is a good idea to think about using automation testing for your testing whenever necessary because it offers several benefits.

· It is roughly 70% faster than manual testing.

· The outcomes of automation testing are more trustworthy and less likely to be impacted by human error.

· Consistency is ensured by automation testing

· Significant Time and Cost Savings

· Greater ROI