Automation Testing Tools: Definition, Benefits, & Examples

With the rising complexity of applications and the frequent release cycles of Agile methodology, manual testing is inadequate to ensure each new development release is in optimal operational order

In fact, according to a BMC study, of development leaders revealed that their organization's mainframe teams are allocating more time to code testing than they used to, in order to account for the escalating complexity of cross-platform application environments.

Hence, it's no surprise that many financial institutions have turned to automation testing tools to reduce testing efforts while increasing capacity and coverage. Having appropriate automated testing tools is paramount to driving efficiency and quality.

Now, let’s delve into what an automation testing tool is, as well as its capabilities, benefits, and more.

What is Automation Testing? 

Automation testing involves automating the execution of test cases using scripts or specialized tools. Rather than relying on manual implementation by human testers, these scripts and tools instruct the Application Under Test (AUT) to carry out necessary actions, allowing testers to allocate their time to more strategic tasks. 

Throughout the SDLC, automation testers design, write, maintain and execute automated test scripts via a single quality management platform to minimize bug escapes and release on time.

Read more: Everything you should know about Automation Testing

What Are Automation Testing Tools?

An automation testing tool is a type of software that allows you to design testing tasks and then it can automate the execution of those tests for you. In the best-case scenario, this execution can happen with little to no human intervention. 

There are various types of automated software tools for various environments: smartphones, mobile devices, and desktop computers. With a tester tool, you can run performance testing without human intervention. It makes it possible to test 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if you want. 

But automated software tools can do much more than that. Let’s discover why more and more teams have started to adopt automated testing tools. 

Benefits Of Automation Testing

Automated testing offers many benefits over manual testing. Here are cases that are ideal for software automation tools:

• Multilingual sites
• Test cases that are repeated
• Tedious cases
• Cases that are broad and expansive

It’s true that humans can carry out these tasks. However, they are rather complex and competitive, which makes them prone to errors. For example, testing a new app in another language is vulnerable to mistakes, especially for those apps that are large and complex. In cases like this, it’s advisable to leave testing to automation QA tools. 

Nevertheless, there are some cases in which manual testing is better. They are:  

• New test cases that have not been manually tested
• Test cases where criteria constantly change
• Test cases that are not routine - i.e., happen only once or twice

In the above cases, it’s better to have human professionals handle the tests. For example, a newly created feature should be tested manually to make sure that it works as expected. After you have verified this, you can use an automation testing tool for those tests. 

When automation testing tools are used properly, you would reap numerous benefits in terms of:

• Speed
• Test coverage
• Consistency
• Cost savings
• Frequent and thorough testing
• Time to market

Now that we have discussed when to use an automated test tool and why you should, let’s learn how to choose the right tool for your needs. 

Test Automation Frameworks

The next step is to choose a framework to structure the testing process once you've determined what kind of automated testing you'll need to perform.

The primary advantage of doing so is that it standardizes the testing process, giving it a framework so that everyone working on the project who uses automated testing is on the same page.

The following are some of the most common test automation frameworks:

Linear Framework

This type is also known as "Record and Playback." For each test case, testers write a test script. It's a fairly simple technique that's better suited to a small team with little test automation experience.

Modular Based Framework

Each test case is divided into discrete, self-contained modules using this approach. Each one has a unique scenario, but the framework's single master script manages them all. This method is incredibly efficient, but it requires a lot of planning and is best utilized by testers who are familiar with automation testing technologies.

Library Architecture Framework

With a few exceptions, the Library Architecture Framework is an extension of the modular-based method. Tasks are arranged within the test script according to shared objectives in a Library Architecture Framework.

These routines are then saved in a library and can be used fast when needed. This framework is quite adaptable, but writing scripts takes time, therefore prior familiarity with automated testing is advantageous.

Top 7 Automation Testing Tools 

There are a plethora of automation testing options available. What you're working on and what you need the tool to achieve will determine which one is best for you. 

1. Katalon Studio - the best software automation tool for incorporating tests into continuous integration and delivery pipelines.

Katalon Studio delivers easy-to-read and manages test results/reports.

If you're searching for a complete automation tool for testing that spans desktop, online, and mobile applications, Katalon is a fantastic option. It makes it easier for testers to produce, run, and manage reports by utilizing open-source frameworks that remove some complications.

This test automation tool works with most devices and browsers and is compatible with numerous operating systems, including Windows, iOS, and Linux. It also integrates with Cucumber, a behavior-driven development tool that lets you write tests in plain English.

It's also growing, with new partnerships and features being added on a regular basis. Although the lessons aren't outstanding, there is a vibrant community forum where you can generally obtain assistance.

Here is an example of how you can use the automation testing platform to perform automation testing 

2. Avo Assure – For no-code test automation, this is the best option

Avo Assure allows you to execute end-to-end automated tests across a variety of platforms, including online, mobile, ERP, mainframes, and desktop.

Avo Assure is a no-code test automation solution that allows you to test complicated business processes without having to write any code. It supports over 200 technologies, allowing you to test web, desktop, mobile, mainframes, Oracle, and SAP applications.

Avo Assure has a keyword library of over 1500 keywords for creating test cases and allows you to run them on demand or on a schedule.

The automation QA tool works with Selenium, Jira, Atlassian Bamboo, Microfocus QC/ALM, Sauce Labs, Amazon Mobile Farm, TFS, Q-test, and other CI/CD and SDLC technologies.

It also provides custom pricing information upon request. A free 14-day trial of Avo Assure is also available.

3. TestRigor – For scalability and end-to-end testing, TestRigor is the best overall no-code QA automation tool

With TestRigor, you may check, amend, or re-test your test cases as needed.

When it comes to the new wave of AI-based automation solutions, TestRigor stands out. The tests are written in plain English, with items referred to from a human standpoint. You can forget about Xpaths, CSS Selectors, and other such things since testRigor analyzes all potential settings in the background and uses the most optimal ones, resulting in ultra-reliable tests.

Web, mobile browsers, and mobile apps, as well as APIs, are all supported by testRigor, allowing for functional end-to-end testing. They also support multiple browsers and platforms.

Test maintenance is drastically reduced with testRigor, with users spending an average of 95% less time on it. Instead of wasting time on maintenance, create new tests quickly and expand test coverage.

TestRigor makes it simple to convert current human test cases into automated tests, and users may even write and change their own terminology if they want to.

Pricing starts at $300 per month and can be customized to meet your unique requirements. There is a 14-day free trial that does not demand credit card information upfront.

4. Selenium – For testing web-based apps, Selenium is the best option.

Selenium is a web application testing framework that works with a range of programming languages.

Selenium is one of the most widely used automation testing tools, and it is designed only for web applications. It provides bug reproduction and regression testing automation suites, as well as the ability to test across several browsers.

This software automation tool appeals to us because it supports a variety of programming languages, including Python, Java, and C#. It's also open source and free to use, making it incredibly cost-effective without sacrificing functionality.

5. Squish – Squish is best for testing graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and it generates detailed test reports.

Squish is a leader in graphical user interface testing, and it has a lot of cool features. It can automate Windows, web, Android, iOS, and Java, and it works across platforms and is incredibly adaptable. The testing tool also supports a variety of programming languages, including Ruby, JavaScript, Python, and Perl.

6. Testim – The best tool for artificial intelligence-assisted automated testing.

In order to conduct exams, Testim uses artificial intelligence.

The thing I appreciate best about this software automation testing tool is that it is useful for both novice and experienced users. It supports both written and non-coded automated testing, conducts tests across browsers with AI, and provides reports.

7. Mabl – For integrating testing into current workflows, Mabl is the best option.

Throughout the testing cycle, visualize tests and changes side by side.

Mabl is well-suited for end-to-end testing cycles since it allows users to write and perform tests. This solution makes use of a cloud-native testing platform that allows team members to collaborate on automated tests while also keeping track of issues.

Mabl collects data while the automated tests run, and its sophisticated AI delivers insights into any test failures, responding to changes in the software's progress.

Conclusion 

QA is moving toward automated testing so that teams may devote more effort to more complex and time-consuming projects.

It's feasible to eliminate some—or all— of the grunt labor associated with repetitive or extensive testing with the help of automation testing technologies.

At KMS Solutions, we provide world-class automation testing services and Katalon licenses to help enterprises accelerate their software testing lifecycle. Contact us for a demo today.