The different types of Test Automation Frameworks

 

 

 Testing remains a critical component of any software development process. This is because it ensures the identification and removal of all bugs in the code, the delivery of superior customer experiences, greater adoption of the software in the market, and increased profitability for the enterprise. The process of testing has undergone considerable improvements in the last few years with the automated testing approach being adopted for its slew of benefits. As opposed to manual testing, a test automation strategy automates the testing of software applications to speed up the development process and make the software application glitch-free, efficient, and reliable. However, to implement test automation, enterprises need to utilize test automation frameworks to drive faster releases of quality products.

What is a test automation framework?

To begin with, a framework is a structure of protocols, rules, and guidelines, which can help an enterprise to derive the optimum benefits for a concept or idea. In the same vein, the structure called a test automation framework helps to execute and generate test results. The key components of such a framework are test tools, equipment, test scripts, automation engineers, and procedures. The framework determines if the test results are in alignment with the expected results. Being independent of the software application, a framework can be expanded according to the testing needs of any application and helps to improve test coverage and the quality of products. 

What are the benefits of a test automation framework?

Using such a framework in executing QA automation testing garners the following benefits for the team.

• ·        Better test efficiency
• ·         Better speed and reliability
• ·         Optimization of resources
• ·         Remote testing
• ·         Reduced manual intervention
• ·         Parallel testing
• ·         Bug fixing at an early stage
• ·         Enhanced test coverage
• ·         Code reusability
• ·         Less maintenance cost
• ·         Increased ROI

What are the different types of automated frameworks?

Automated testing services use different types of frameworks to derive the best test outcomes. However, it is important to select the right type for testing the software application under consideration.

# Linear automation framework: The simplest of all frameworks is also known as a record-and-playback framework. Here, the testers need not write the custom test codes and the test process is mentioned in sequential order. It is mainly used for introductory level testing and converts medium or small-sized manual scripts into their corresponding automation scripts. However, on the flip side, the scripts cannot be reused as the data is hardwired into them.

Advantages

·         The tester does not need to be an expert in test automation as there is no need to write any custom code.

·         The testing process takes less time

·         The test workflow is simple to understand as the scripts are written in a sequential order

·         Arguably the best framework to start with automated software testing thanks to its record-and-playback features.

# Module-based framework: Based on Object-Oriented Programming or OOPs, the framework uses abstraction as its concept. According to this, the application under test is divided into various modules wherein each module comprises individual test scripts. Since the modules are separated using the abstraction layer, any changes made to the individual modules do not impact others. The flip side of this framework is that it requires the knowledge of programming language to set up.

Advantages

·         Since the framework comprises of several modules or sections, the cost and ease of maintenance are less.

·         Easy to create new driver scripts.

·         Can be scaled easily and should any defect be found the rest of the overarching module does not need to be touched.

# Library architecture testing framework: Here, tasks with similarities to the test script are identified followed by the testers executing the function-based grouping of similar tasks. Thereafter, the library stores the sorted functions that can be called by the test scripts upon requirement. The framework needs more time and technical expertise to be set up.

Advantages

·         Better reusability of codes compared to the ‘record and playback’ model

·         High level of modularization leading to easy maintenance and scalability of test scripts

# Data-driven framework: In this type of automated testing approach, the inputs and expected results are stored in separate files. Also, a single driver test can perform all test cases with various data sets. The framework entails the segregation of test data and test script logic facilitating code reusability.

Advantages

·         Test executable using multiple data sets

·         Any changes made to the test script do not impact the test data

·         Any number of scenarios can be tested by changing the data sets

# Keyword-driven testing framework: This application-independent framework separates test data and script logic followed by storing the data and keywords externally in a different location. It is more suitable for automated web testing and needs the selection of keywords and data tables.

Advantages

·         Does not require deep knowledge of scripting

·         Reusability of code as a keyword can be used across test scripts

·         Test scripts can be developed independently of the software application being tested

Conclusion

To facilitate faster release of quality software applications under the Agile and DevOps methodologies, choosing the right test automation framework is critical. The criteria to choose any test framework may include the reusability of test scripts, minimum human intervention, and quick identification of glitches, among others. 

 Article Original source:

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The use of Automated Testing in a CI/CD Pipeline?

The rigors of the market and changing user preferences have focused on the need for developing quality applications. Since quality can be a relative term changing across processes and based on numerous in-situ parameters, methodologies like Continuous Improvement or Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) become important. In other words, any software needs to be upgraded continually based on user feedback and market trends. Enterprises are increasingly embracing Agile and DevOps to build new products and services within short turnarounds. However, such speedy development cycles can lead to the release of bug-infested software. This is due to the fact that both developers and testers get less time to validate all the quality parameters. Moreover, it is often observed that developers and testers focus on activities/elements like code repository management, integration, and CI servers. Surprisingly, automated testing services are often not on the list of developers notwithstanding the demand for quick release cycles and increasing complexity of software.

What is automated testing?

It involves the testing of software codes using scripts, frameworks, and tools. Here, preconfigured tests are executed to validate the features and functionalities of software against a given set of parameters. At the end of testing, the automated testing framework prepares a detailed report of the test including the glitches found.

Let us understand what benefits automated application testing brings to the table vis-a-vis the CI/CD pipeline.

Why the CI/CD pipeline needs automated testing services?

A software needs periodic upgrades to remain aligned with the market needs and technology changes. A robust continuous integration and testing mechanism can ensure quick feedback on the changes. It helps to identify glitches quickly before the product hits the market. To enable the same, automated testing solutions should be harnessed. These can provide stakeholders with accurate information on the inherent risks thereby helping them to take informed decisions. By implementing a robust test automation strategy wherein various tests are run continually, the resultant product turns out to be glitch-free and delivering superior user experience.

Benefits of using an automated testing strategy in CI/CD pipeline

With the complexity of software applications increasing and delivery schedules reducing, it has become imperative to validate their functionalities across devices, operating platforms, browsers, and networks. This is where an automated testing strategy can help in the following ways -

• Quicker tests: Since CI/CD pipeline requires speed and a minimum turnaround time, automation testing can validate various aspects of the software quickly than say, manual testing. Also, automated tests can be run for any number of times and not let glitches go undetected.
• Faster regression tests: The CI/CD process involves receiving speedy feedback from the users. The impact of changes made in the software can be validated better by using automated testing. Also, such testing can run in parallel, thereby shortening the execution time.
• Consistency: No software should have anomalies, especially during the execution of continuous integration. Automated testing can identify the glitches or anomalies present in the software and ensure a consistent performance. Also, it ensures expectations are met until the product is finally released. 
• Efficient release of software updates: Frequent software updates can face challenges in removing bugs in a continuous delivery pipeline. Thus, the risk of bug infested build can increase thereby impacting the end-user experience. Automated testing can take care of such occurrences and streamline the delivery process.
• Agility: In a continuous integration and delivery pipeline, the technology, frameworks, and configurations should be amenable to changes based on the business requirements. In the absence of an automated testing framework, it would be virtually impossible to implement and validate such builds in the expected time frame. Also, it would amount to being inefficient if the QA team must wait to rewrite or reconfigure the test suites. Since test automation can reconfigure the test suites automatically, crucial build time can be saved.
• Better product visibility: Tests such as interface or unit testing can deliver greater visibility about the product at any given point in time. Test automation can provide instant feedback for developers in the CI/CD pipeline so that the latter can administer a quick-fix to the build later.

Conclusion

Software developers and testers can start small when it comes to implementing the CI/CD pipeline. As you gain experience in writing test suites and automation, the challenges that come with the job can be used as a learning phase. The benefits will soon become apparent as they go about following the best technical approach and using the right framework. In a fast-growing digital landscape, automated testing services shall be your best bet in ensuring faster release of glitch-free products.

This article is already been published on dev.to

What does 2020 has in store for Software Automated Testing

The quality of software has become the single most important element in ushering success for any enterprise. However, ensuring quality can be a big challenge and involves following the latest software automated testing trends. Also, with the advent of new technologies and apps having SMAC (Social Media, Analytics, and Cloud) interface, testing is not the same anymore.

The objectives of testing are guided by a slew of considerations. These include achieving faster time-to-market, delivering products based on customers’ feedback, and generating better ROI. Given the criticality of automated testing services, more and more enterprises are embracing the end-to-end shift-left testing methodology. Further, the emergence of Industry 4.0, driven by IoT and other technologies, has prefaced the role of software automated testing.

In the last few years, trends like Agile/DevOps have dominated the testing landscape. The year 2020 is likely to be the continuation (and consolidation) of the earlier trends, but with more sophisticated technologies, wider adoption, and better innovative solutions. Let us check them out.

The software automated testing trends to expect in 2020

Automation has continued to dominate the testing industry for the past few years. In fact, it has allowed the validation of various testing methodologies by using virtual users. Further, it can be extrapolated to test software incorporating new technologies such as AI and ML.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI and ML): With intelligent devices generating humongous quantum of data, artificial intelligence and machine learning can be leveraged to draw business intelligence. These technologies make testing faster, smarter, and effective.

If earlier, AI and ML were leveraged to prioritize test cases, predict the quality of tests, or classify defects, among others, 2020 will see the inclusion of more testing areas. In fact, the forecast of investments in AI and ML testing is likely to reach a whopping $200 billion by 2025.

Rise in Cyber Security Testing: The omnipresent and ever-growing security challenges concerning digital revolution have brought automated testing services w.r.t security to the fore. In fact, business stakeholders like the CIOs, CEOs, and CFOs have understood the gravity of the challenge. The thrust, therefore, in any test automation strategy is to offer total protection to the critical data. This can safeguard systems, databases, and the overall business from suffering losses or losing customer trust.

In the year 2020, DevSecOps will attract the traction of business stakeholders. In such a case, everyone in the organization shall be expected to be accountable in upholding security. Thus, the software application coming out of the SDLC will be more resilient to cyber threats. No wonder, the efforts to uphold cybersecurity will move a few notches higher.

Performance Testing and Performance Engineering: If product testing had a strong element of performance testing in 2019, then 2020 will see a greater move towards performance engineering. In the latter, there is a collaboration among various processes and elements to deliver the highest level of quality. These include software, hardware, security, performance, usability, and configuration, among others. Since delivering superior customer experiences has become critical for the success of a product, then a move towards performance engineering is likely to deliver customer delight.

IoT Testing: With automation becoming the leitmotif of the techno-driven world of ours, the use of IoT devices has been on the rise. According to an estimate by Gartner, the number of IoT devices with embedded software at their core may rise to 20.5 billion by 2020. Since smart systems are likely to drive the world of tomorrow, the embedded software inside systems needs to be validated for quality. For example, unless the sensors are validated for their quality in a self-driven automobile, the consequences can be catastrophic.

IoT testing involves the testing of devices with embedded software. This is about ensuring device authenticity, security, data integrity, compatibility, performance, scalability, and usability. The challenges faced by IoT test engineers is monitoring communication between sets of software running on various device platforms and operating systems. The challenges in forming a test automation strategy for IoT mainly revolve around the lack of expertise in testing IoT functionality.

Big Data Testing: The increasing use of digital devices is giving rise to big data. These are mostly needed to be processed in real-time to derive suitable insights including business intelligence. The usage of big data is seen across sectors like healthcare, banking, technology, retail, telecom, media, and many others. The processing of such data leads to the optimization of workflows and better decision making. Big data testing deals with a humongous quantum of disparate sets of data. As more companies embrace digital transformation, the possibility of data generated from various areas will increase. Thus, implementing an automated testing strategy around big data is likely to dominate the testing landscape in the year 2020.

Conclusion

As software becomes more complicated and interfaces with myriad third-party applications, software testing needs to follow suit. In the year 2020, automated testing will harness existing technologies as mentioned above to deliver high-quality products. To create new-gen products, enterprises should use the next level of testing trends in the year 2020.

This article is originally published on readdive.com

How has Automation influenced the Testing Landscape

Today, software development has become a complex process due to the need for compatibility of software across devices, operating environments, browsers, and networks. Add security compliance to the list and the task becomes even more challenging. To ensure the software runs seamlessly across digital environments as mentioned above, it should undergo a rigorous testing exercise. This is important to achieve customer satisfaction – the key determinant to stay competitive. So, how do you choose a testing methodology that delivers excellence in all the areas of software including, performance, security, functionality, and usability, among others? The answer can be found in following a mix of manual and test automation practices with the latter forming the mainstay.

Why test automation?

The traditional form of testing software aka manual testing does not quite match up to the evolving requirements of testing. Since the software applications of today combine cutting-edge technologies like AI & ML, IoT, Big Data, Cloud Computing, and others, the testing requirements have grown manifold. These require checking the performance of the software on multiple channels involving scores of users. This is where manual testing can be time-consuming, error-prone, and tedious thereby putting considerable strain on the human resources. The automation testing approach, on the other hand, can address the shortcomings of manual testing and relieve the human resources to focus on other areas.

With enterprises aiming to deliver software faster to the market, they often take risks with its quality. This involves downplaying or bypassing the testing requirements. Moreover, testers too suffer from fatigue when executing repetitive tests involving huge data. This often leads to situations where enterprises are unable to manage the expenses incurred in service delays and performance issues. Let us find out how automated software testing has changed the testing landscape for the better.

Key benefits of software test automation

QA involves executing a series of tests involving data and comparing the expected outcomes against the actual ones. Here, test automation can guarantee software quality without much human intervention. The best thing about executing automated testing services is its increased frequency of implementation with minimal effort. And if such implementation leads to better results, then achieving customer satisfaction can only be a matter of time.

High test coverage: Since any software with an omnichannel interface encompasses plenty of features and functionalities, it ought to be tested for the latter. A QA automation testing process helps to validate the quality of all features and functionalities thereby increasing the scope of testing. An automated suite can conduct repeat testing with plenty of variables and data thereby enhancing the quality of the software application. It is important to note that manual testing is fairly limited in its scope vis-a-vis testing the features of an application.

Meeting DevOps goals: DevOps has emerged as the latest methodology to develop and deliver superior quality software. It focuses on shift-left testing where testing is conducted alongside development in sprints. Since DevOps is all about achieving continuous integration and testing throughout the SDLC, the role of software test automation assumes salience. It ensures each code is tested thoroughly during the development process before being integrated into a suite. Also, any updation of software based on market demand and/or customer feedback is put through regression testing using automated tools.

Quick detection of glitches: As the SDLC follows the shift-left process, codes are validated using an automated test suite. During the process, glitches get identified at the development stage and fixed. This ensures faster delivery of quality software and saves a considerable amount in time and cost. The latter would have been incurred if the glitches were identified later, either during testing at a later stage or through customer feedback.

How the testing landscape changed with automation

The testing landscape encompasses a number of testing viz., unit testing, functional testing, integration testing, load testing, and regression testing, among others. Automation has helped the above-mentioned areas of testing to be accelerated. Let us find out how.

Unit testing: This type of testing ensures how each piece of code shall behave once it forms a part of the overall software suite. It is usually created by developers and provides feedback on the specific performance of the code. It tells developers whether the code is performing the tasks as expected and can arguably provide the best ROI for automation.

Integration testing: It involves the testing of multiple components of a software suite. Here, even though the components may exist independently, they are interconnected in the larger software suite. By following a test automation strategy, the integration of various components of software such as email services, analytics, third-party components, databases, deployment infrastructure, etc., are tested to ensure the seamless performance of the software.

Load testing: Any software should undergo proper load testing to ensure its components can handle peak load situations. By measuring both normal and peak load thresholds, the software can be scaled up when the crunch time comes. Here, automated load testing tools can come in handy to perform load testing on demand and involves simulating traffic at high speed. This helps to identify the non-functional issues and ensure the scalability and performance of the software.

Functional testing: It checks if the software is doing what it is expected to do instead of how it does. Here, the functionality of the interface or sundry end-to-end components is verified without getting into the nitty-gritty of coding that drives it. By automation, functional testing can be conducted umpteen number of times without any human intervention. However, the test suites should be maintained properly to prevent any false positives.

Regression testing: It checks the functioning of the original features of software when a new one is added. Conducting it manually in-house can be tedious and ideally requires engaging automated testing services. Automated testing can carry out comprehensive regression testing involving unit testing, integration testing, and functional testing. However, conducting UI level testing may not yield the desired results as the UI can be volatile and cause test failures.

Mobile testing: This type of testing can be challenging, for it involves compatibility, functional, performance, security, and UI/UX testing. Mostly the testing is done on real or simulated devices by automating some of the tasks. However, the results can often be sketchy given that they are executed on emulators. Also, the results of such testing would depend on the reliability of the device platform.

Conclusion

Test automation has brought about a significant improvement in the testing landscape. It has been able to address some of the lacunae of manual testing thereby enhancing the quality of software. Enterprises should incorporate automation in their SDLC to ensure the software ticks all the checkboxes for quality. However, as mentioned at the beginning, automation in testing is not the be-all and end-all of everything and should be executed in consonance with manual testing.

Author Bio

Oliver has been associated with Cigniti Technologies Ltd as an Associate Manager - Content Marketing, with over 10 years of industry experience as a Content Writer in Software Testing & Quality Assurance industry. Cigniti is a Global Leader in Independent Quality Engineering & Software Testing Services with CMMI-SVC v1.3, Maturity Level 5.

This article is originally published on dev.to.