How Does Automated Testing Work?

Tirth Patel
App Developer
December 15, 2023

Automated testing is like having a diligent robot ensure a computer program functions seamlessly. This process involves a systematic series of steps to examine and validate software and efficiency. Let’s delve into the key stages that make automated testing a reliable method for quality assurance.

  1. Selecting the Testing Tool: Begin by choosing a tool that the testing robot will use. This tool depends on what type of testing needs to be done and if it works with the computer system where the software is being made.
  2. Defining the Scope of Automation: Determine how much of the testing the robot will handle. This is called the scope of automation, which is like telling the robot which parts of the software to focus on.
  3. Planning, Designing, and Developing: Plan the strategy for automation, creating a roadmap for the robot. Develop test scripts, which are like giving the robot a set of instructions to follow during the testing process.
  4. Executing the Test: Implement the testing phase using the automation scripts. The robot follows the instructions to check if the software is working correctly. Additionally, the testing tool collects data and provides detailed reports about the testing process.
  5. Maintenance: Regularly update and modify the automated test scripts as needed, especially when there are newer versions of the software being developed. This ensures that the robot stays knowledgeable about the changes in the program and continues to perform effectively.

This systematic approach ensures that the computer program remains in optimal condition, delivering reliable and error-free performance.

Types of Automation Testing

Functional Testing

The first type we encounter is functional testing. Imagine a tester examining a newly updated software to ensure it functions as per user requirements. This involves checking all the software functions, including smoke testing, unit testing, and integration testing.

  • Unit Testing: Unit testing focuses on the smallest components of the software that function individually. Developers love it because it’s quick, ensuring each part works before the final version is released. There are three types: White box testing, Black box testing, and Grey box testing.
  • Integration Testing: Integration testing is more complex, involving communication between different modules of an application to perform tasks. This ensures the interaction between modules is seamless and exposes any flaws in the process.
  • Smoke Testing: Smoke testing, on the other hand, checks the stability of the product. If the product is unstable, it’s called an ‘unstable build’ and is sent back to the developers for further testing to identify the root cause of the problem.

Non-Functional Testing

Non-functional testing shifts focus from what the product does to how well it performs. It examines aspects like reliability, usability, performance, and more.

  • Performance Testing: Performance testing, a subset of non-functional testing, evaluates the stability, responsiveness, and speed of software under different workloads. It identifies potential issues, ensuring software operates smoothly even under stressful conditions.
  • Regression Testing: When changes are made to the code of software, regression testing is crucial. It determines if the software is working as it did before the changes, and automation regression testing automates scripts, workflows, and plans to achieve this.
  • Keyword-Driven Testing: Keyword-driven testing uses data files with keywords related to the application, representing a set of actions needed to carry out specific steps. It’s flexible, concise, easy to maintain, and doesn’t require programming experts.
  • Data-Driven Testing: In data-driven testing, automation is built-in and effective due to code reusability. Test cases use data stored separately, reducing the investment of time and resources. It ensures consistent results throughout the software development cycle.

In conclusion, these types of automation testing, whether functional or non-functional, play a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency, stability, and reliability of software applications. They save time, increase accuracy, and provide confidence in the functionality of the software.

The Benefits of Automated Testing

Testing is like giving a health checkup to the software we use every day. Just like how doctors use tools to check our health, there’s a way to check if our software is working well. It’s called testing, and there are several benefits of automated testing. Let’s take a look at them:

  • Cost Saving: One of the foremost advantages of automated testing lies in cost savings. By automating the testing process, organization can significantly reduce the time and resources invested in manual testing. This not only speeds up the testing cycle but also minimizes the overall project costs.
  • Early Bug Detection: Automation testing excels in early bug detection, a crucial aspect of software development. Through rapid and frequent testing, potential bugs are identified at the nascent stages, allowing for immediate rectification. This early detection prevents the escalation of issues, leading to a more robust and reliable end product.
  • Swift Feedback: The rapid feedback cycle offered by automated testing is invaluable. Unlike manual testing, which is time-consuming, automated testing provides swift results. This prompt feedback ensures that developers can address issues promptly, maintaining the momentum of the development process.
  • Better Resource Allocation: Efficient resource allocation is a significant benefit of automated testing. By automating repetitive and time-consuming tests, organization can allocate human resources more strategically. This enables the QA team to focus on critical aspects of testing that require human intuition and expertise.
  • Higher Accuracy: Automation testing significantly enhances testing accuracy. Human errors inherent in manual testing are minimized, ensuring that test scripts are executed consistently. This heightened accuracy contributes to the overall reliability of testing results.
  • Increased Test Coverage: Another notable advantage is the increased test coverage facilitated by automated testing. The automation tools can cover a wide array of test scenarios, ensuring comprehensive testing of the application features. This extensive coverage is challenging to achieve through manual testing alone.

While automated testing proves to be a game-changer in enhancing the efficiency and reliability of software testing, it is essential to acknowledge its limitations. Not all testing scenarios are ideal for automation, and certain aspects, such as exploratory testing, may still require manual intervention.

Nonetheless, the overarching benefits position automated testing as an indispensable tool in the arsenal of modern software development teams.

Implementing a Test Automation Strategy

Automation is like having a helpful assistant that can speed up tasks and catch errors. But before diving into it, you need a plan. It’s like setting goals for a journey.

Step 1: Defining Goals

Firstly, think about the big picture and the small steps. This involves having a clear idea of what you want to achieve with automation. Discuss this roadmap with higher-ups and those who have a stake in the process.

Step 2: Planning Your Test Approach 

Testing comes in layers, like building blocks. Automation isn’t just about doing everything at once. Picture a pyramid with different levels, and each level serves a purpose. It’s like building a sturdy structure; you start from the bottom.

Step 3: Choosing the Right Framework

Now, the crucial part – choosing the right framework. Think of it as selecting the right tools for the job. There are different frameworks, and you need to sit down with your team to figure out which one fits your needs like a glove.

Step 4: Considering the Test Environment

Know where your application will live – is it in development, staging, production, or all of these? Picture it as preparing a stage for a play. Also, make sure your tests can run on different devices simultaneously, like actors performing in sync.

Step 5: Analyzing Risks

Every journey has its risks. The same goes for automation testing. Identify and communicate these risks to management, like warning them about potential road bumps. It’s like giving them a heads-up before hitting the road.

Step 6: Creating, Executing, and Maintaining Tests

Start small. Like building a house, focus on the critical features first. Once you build the tests, run them regularly. Think of it like watering your plants – consistent care is key. And yes, don’t forget to update when the house gets a new coat of paint.

Step 7: Integrating with DevOps

DevOps is like the smooth road that connects different parts of your journey. It reduces dependence and ensures anyone can run tests and get reports. It’s like having a GPS guiding you through the trip.

Step 8: Reporting

Reports are like your travel journal. They should have numbers – total tests passed, failed, and so on. And make sure anyone, even non-tech folks, can read and understand them. It’s like sharing your adventure with everyone.

Step 9: Review and Retrospect

Journeys aren’t without bumps. Regularly review your scripts. Understand what’s causing issues and how you can make things smoother. It’s like improving your roadmap while on the journey.

So, whether you’re embarking on a cross-country road trip or implementing a test automation strategy, having a well-thought-out plan is the key to a successful journey.

 

Sources by :- BIT.AI

 

 

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