Automation testing is no longer a strange term, especially when it gradually replaces manual testing. As the manual testing process is time-consuming and error-prone, many corporations are looking for a more convenient way to execute the test steps automatically without human intervention.
Sound easy, but there are some things about automated testing that you should keep in mind. Here’s our ultimate guide to help you take full advantage of automation testing.
Automated testing or automation testing is a modern enterprise software testing method that comprises the use of special tools or platforms to run test cases and monitor test performance automatically. The actual results of the tests are then compared with the forecast results.
In automation testing, most activities are automated, with the test engineer having little or no intervention. Automated testers (as distinct from manual testers) write scripts that have a number of actions and controls (so-called automated test cases). Well-written automated test cases can speed up the project, reduce errors, and help to save time and workforce. In other words, automation testing is the approach specifically developed to emulate customer interactions with an app and to verify test steps based on predefined requirements.
For long-term projects, manual testing costs are comparably lower than automation testing costs. The initial investment of manual testing lies in the expenses for team setup and human resources. This may seem cost-effective at first, but in the long run, the costs can pile up to enormous expenditures.
Conversely, automated tests require a significant initial investment, including automation testers and open-source automation tools. In charge of that is the higher return on investment (ROI) yielding in the long term.
The manual tests can be performed manually without the intervention of any automation tools. In contrast, automation testing demands tools like Katalon or Eggplant to run and monitor test cases. However, not every test case is suitable for automation testing, and most of those can be executed manually. Therefore, manual testing is irreplaceable.
In accommodation to application changes, test cases must be adjusted regularly. In manual testing, this mostly does not happen as manual testers may comprehend the changes and decide on the next step without writing new test cases. It’s an entirely different story for automation testing since every little detail matters. Therefore, test scripts must be updated whenever modifications, even minor ones, happen to the software under test.
Read more: Manual Testing vs. Automation Testing: 6 Major Differences.
Typically, there are two kinds of software testing: Functional Testing, which focuses on the software system against the functional requirements, and Non-functional Testing, which validates the non-functional aspects such as data storage and security.
Sorts of automation testing are:
However, not every test case should be automated, and you must carefully choose test cases for automation. There are some key considerations when evaluating test cases for automation testing:
Testers usually use tools for automatic script development and execution.
The HP Quick Test Pro Utility is one of the standard systems that enables the development of VBScript-language test scenarios. Testers can collect UI application layouts and enter the test code, which is used to manipulate windows by using this recorded layout.
There are also low-code, user-friendly tools that can scale as the team grows, such as Katalon. It’s an end-to-end automation tool that supports most activities related to automation testing.
An automated test tool is a program that enables testers to use a programming language or a pseudo-code to develop test scenarios. In general, the following tools allow:
Test scripts contain the logic of tests. You can define the steps of the test process, either by programs or tablets. Test scripts should be held in a readable human format as they should be read and understood by QA or business analysts.
Test data is a vital part of all automated test suites and includes:
Automated tests are heavily dependent on test data. Parts of them can be saved within the test script in Excel tables. The developer of the test script shall keep the data accurate and consistent. Another part of the test data is stored in the databases; this data maintainer, including appropriate user accounts, is responsible for the running of a test script.
Test cases for trading systems consist of a small number of clearly defined transactions, i.e. orders and executions. It is useful to present test scenarios assets of order management requests, market data manipulations, venue responses, and system response verifications. It is also recommended that the test script be split into two major parts: (1) a library with generic actions (place, order, cancel, amend, or verify the results); and (2) actual test scenarios defined in spreadsheets.
Requirements for test automation frameworks, which are used to run the test cases described as a set of Excel spreadsheets, usually include the following:
Distributed trading environments typically have multiple interfaces to various external subsystems, such as execution venues, market data delivery, and back office services. Often, such external subsystems are not available during testing hours. They mostly do not offer enough features and control, which testers require to conduct meaningful end-to-end testing. Due to that, one of many test automation tasks would be to recreate the functionality of such external systems. This is normally achieved by building emulators allowing the testers to have complete control over venue settings, market-maker responses for market venues, or current prices for market data.
In automation testing, it’s crucial to understand which step is to execute first and why. Sticking with the automation testing process will help you to implement automation smoothly and avoid common pitfalls which lead to automation failures.
The first step is to clearly identify which test cases to run automatically and which to keep testing manually. This will help the QA/QC team reduce the testing effort and time spent on the unnecessary process.
Repetitive tests are the most prevalent instances of automation. This part consists mainly of tests for fundamental product functionalities that must be validated whenever a new build is released. The manual execution of these tests is time-consuming, while they can be done simply by automating.
Besides, Data processing and validation, cross-platform tests, and Impractical manual tests also need to be automated.
There is a wide range of test automation tools to pick from, making it even more challenging to find the right one for your team and project. Initially, this stage is time and effort-consuming; however, it will benefit your team’s testing process in the long term. Here are some best practices that can help you find the appropriate tools for your project’s requirements:
Some testing tools that automation testers should take into consideration:
If you’re still considering which tools to adopt, check out our hand-picked list of the top automation testing tools for your reference!
More on this: How your Business can start Automation Testing from scratch
After identifying your objective and which types of tests to automate, deciding which actions that your automated tests should perform next is needed.
For the execution strategy, it’s vital to detail the daily tasks and processes for automation. First, choose the automated test cases that you’ve defined in stage 1. Then, build comprehensive testing scripts that make test cases resistant to modifications to the automated system. After all, executing test cases with the pipeline orchestrator.
Once you have the completed strategy, you can base it on it and decide whether to develop test cases or develop test suites.
This step concentrates on the execution of automation testing scripts, such as those run with the help of input test data. Once the test has been conducted, a detailed test report is created, which highlights any possible bugs or failures so that they may be resolved quickly and the tests can proceed without incident.
See more: Best Practices for your Automation Testing Strategy
Changing from manual testing to automated testing may be advantageous for the project. Nonetheless, the automation testing also results in obstacles for the QA team as they need to be proficient in the given automation tools and have the necessary skills to ensure the predicted goals are met. Some challenges that they may face include:
To make automation testing work, every team member should be on the same page when developing a testing strategy. To run automation testing effectively, you are required to consider the sorts of automated tests, testing phases, scopes, tasks, and wireframes. All of these things will need to be discussed thoroughly with every stakeholder.
What makes flawless automation testing are proper tools and expert skills. There’s still a widespread misperception that manual testers can carry out automation testing without having enough relevant skills. Although most testing tools nowadays can support test script record and playback, if testers cannot use those tools to their full advantage, automation testing efforts may fall short.
When applying automation testing, the initial costs can exceed your expectations. The costs may comprise operational costs, tool licenses, and employee salaries. Moreover, there are also lots of things that need to be set up, including an execution plan, testing script, automation framework, etc. These processes will cause considerable time and resources as well.
To overcome the challenges arising during the testing process, automation testers are required to have sufficient knowledge and skills, which are:
Automation Testing is a welcome step forward, but it is incomplete and still has a lot of flaws. Automation testing cannot completely replace manual testing. Human involvement in the testing and functional assurance process is very important.
If you're still stuck with manual testing, try to level up with a bit of automation testing skills. Manual testing and automation testing are methods that bring high work efficiency and have certain advantages and disadvantages, so you should consider the amount of testing method that is appropriate, with the goals and needs of the business, at the lowest cost, and with the highest efficiency.
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