Utilizing specialized automation testing tools, automation testing is a software testing technique that automatically runs a suite of test cases, delivering quicker and more precise results than manual testing methods. Running the same test suite repeatedly is a time-consuming process, but by leveraging a test automation tool, it is possible to write the test suite more quickly, replay it as needed, reduce human intervention, and improve testing ROI.

Automation testing allows for effortless input of test data into the System Under Test, comparison of expected outcomes with actual results, and the generation of comprehensive test reports. Although it may require the allocation of funds and resources, automation testing is a valuable investment for any organization seeking to streamline its software testing process.

Why do we need automation testing?

Automated testing is a highly effective method to increase testing efficiency, expand test coverage, and improve execution speed in software testing. There are multiple reasons why automated testing is crucial:

• Improved Accuracy: Automated tests strictly follow a set of predefined steps, reducing the likelihood of human errors and eliminating the possibility of human testers introducing errors while executing the tests.
• Increased Speed: Automated tests can run continuously and in parallel 24/7 without human intervention, increasing the speed of test execution and reducing overall testing time.
• Consistency: Automation testing ensures that test cases are executed the same way every time they are run, identifying new issues quickly and leading to improved confidence in software quality.
• Cost Savings: Automated testing yields a high return on investment for more advanced infrastructures and various application types. Although setting up and standardizing automated workflows takes time, the long-term ROI in accuracy, speed, and consistency is guaranteed.
• Enhanced Test Coverage: Automated test suites can be reused to run against multiple browsers, devices, and operating system combinations, increasing test coverage and saving time.
• Improved Test Reusability: Once automated tests are created, they can be stored and reused across multiple systems with a single click, freeing testers from re-creating and executing tests for each testing cycle.
• Continuous Testing: Automated tests can be run frequently at any stage of the development process, integrated into the development pipeline, and run automatically every time new changes are made to the software.

If you’re working in the digital industry, investing in automation testing will bring immense benefits to your product development process.

Which Test Cases to Automate?

When deciding whether to automate a test case, it is essential to carefully weigh the potential benefits and costs of automation.

• Tests prone to failure due to human error
• Monotonous and repetitive tests
• Extensive tests utilizing multiple data sets
• Tests not feasible for manual execution
• Manually intensive tests take significant time
• Tests with high potential risk
• Tests requiring execution on multiple hardware and software platforms

Which Test Cases to Automate?

However, it is important to note that not all test cases are suitable for automation. Test cases that frequently change requirements or are executed on an ad-hoc basis should not be automated due to their unpredictable nature.

Automation testing has a wide range of applications and benefits in various areas:

• Industries: Automation testing is a common practice in numerous industries, including IT, eCommerce, Banking & Finance, Telecommunications, Gaming, and Education. Any industry that relies on high functionality, stability, digital presence, or excellent user experience can significantly benefit from adopting automation testing.
• Application Under Tests: Automation testing is versatile and can test various quality aspects of websites, mobile applications, desktop applications, and API. For instance, tests to verify website functionality, performance, security, and usability can be easily automated. Mobile applications can also be tested for compatibility with different operating systems, devices, and screen sizes.
• Testing types: Automation testing can be used for various types of testing, such as regression testing, acceptance testing, unit testing, and integration testing.
• Testing environment: Automation testing can be utilized across different operating systems, browsers, and devices.

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Why does Test Automation fail?

Why does test automation fail?

1. Lack of proper planning and strategy

Disorganized testing processes without a clear test plan and strategy can result in an inability to identify and resolve software defects in a timely manner, leading to further problems down the line.

To ensure a systematic and effective automation testing process, the following steps should be taken:

1. Determine the scope of automation: Identify the types of tests that are suitable for automation and the areas of the software that require more attention. Define the goals of automation testing and how they align with your overall software development objectives.
2. Select the appropriate test automation tool that meets your needs and budget.
3. Prepare test data: Organize and prepare data sets to be used in the automation testing process.
4. Design and execute test cases: Write automated test cases that are easy to understand, maintain, and provide clear feedback on test results. Then, run the tests and analyze the results to detect any failures or errors.
5. Maintain and update tests: Implement good maintenance practices such as the page object model framework, test refactoring, or tracking test flakiness.
6. Monitor and report results: Continuously monitor the results of automated tests and report on their performance and effectiveness. Carefully analyzing the test reports can help prevent key faults from going unnoticed.

2. Insufficient understanding of the application under test

In order to determine which test cases are suitable for automation, it’s important to have a solid understanding of the application’s functionality, behavior, and expected outcomes. The more familiar you are with the application, the easier it will be to identify critical, time-consuming, and repetitive test cases that are good candidates for automation, as well as those that should be executed manually.

To gain a better understanding of the application, you can:

• Read through the requirements and specifications of the application to understand its purpose, functionality, components, and dependencies.
• Conduct exploratory testing on the application to become familiar with its features and behaviors.
• Collaborate closely with the development team to gain insights into the design and implementation of the application.

3. Not using cloud environments

On-cloud testing enables QA teams to perform automated tests on a broad range of browsers and devices without having to invest in physical machines. This approach can provide the agility, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness needed to deliver top-notch software. With cloud testing, testers can accurately replicate the real-world conditions in which the application will be used, without incurring the expenses of setting up the appropriate hardware-software configuration.

Furthermore, testers can schedule tests to run automatically at a set time, which is particularly useful for regression testing, saving significant time and resources.

4. Lack of collaboration between development and testing teams

Effective automation testing requires a collaborative effort between development and testing teams. The two teams should work together to ensure that testing is integrated into the development process and that any defects are promptly addressed.

To achieve this, the following best practices are recommended:

• Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each team, including their respective tasks, responsibilities, and expectations.
• Collaborate on planning and testing activities to ensure that everyone is on the same page. This can help identify potential challenges early on and ensure that testing is efficient and effective.
• Use a common toolset for test planning, execution, and reporting. This can help improve collaboration, as everyone has access to the same information.

5. Wrong tool selection

Choosing the right automation testing tool is crucial for the success of the testing process. It must be able to support the application being tested and meet the testing requirements. Failure to select the appropriate tool can result in test automation failure and inefficient use of the testing budget. Some essential criteria to consider are:

• Compatibility: The automation testing tool must be compatible with your software development environment, including your operating system, programming language, and other tools used.
• Functionality: The tool should have the necessary functionalities to create, run, report, and debug tests. Additionally, assess whether the tool’s strength (e.g., web UI testing) matches your testing needs.
• Usability: The tool should have a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate with clear instructions to help you perform your tests effectively.
• Scalability: A good testing tool should be scalable to meet the demands of your testing needs, both now and in the future, as your software evolves and grows.
• Integration: The automation testing tool should be able to integrate with other tools you are using, such as your bug tracking system or continuous integration platform, to help streamline your testing process.
• Support: The tool should have good customer support and a vibrant community, with resources such as forums, online tutorials, and knowledge bases.
• Security: The tool should have adequate security measures in place to protect your data and ensure that your tests are performed securely.
• Reputation: The automation testing tool should have a good reputation in the testing community, with positive reviews and recommendations from other users and experts.

Conclusion

To sum up, automated testing plays a crucial role in software development by enhancing the quality and dependability of applications, while also minimizing the time and energy required for manual testing. By utilizing appropriate tools and methodologies, businesses can increase the efficiency and precision of their testing, detect glitches at an early stage of the development process, and ultimately provide superior products to their users.