Automation testing is pre-scripted tests used on software to analyze any defects. This method is used to simplify testing efforts as much as possible. Using this Test Automation Framework allows these tools to execute tests, report outcomes and compare results, all in an earlier timeframe then human testing.
This all sounds great, however, now with commercial off-the-shelf or open source software, automation testing can be more difficult as they usually require customization. With customization required, this means it is more of a task to keep these tests running accurately and timely.
On another note, even with the best manual testing processes, software defects almost always appear after a release date. This is why many would argue test automation software is the better way to go as it increases the effectiveness, efficiency and coverage of your software testing.
According to Smartbear, “ An automated testing tool is able to playback pre-recorded and predefined actions, compare the results to the expected behavior and report the success or failure of these manual tests to a test engineer. Once automated tests are created they can easily be repeated and they can be extended to perform tasks impossible with manual testing. Because of this, savvy managers have found that automated software testing is an essential component of successful development projects.”
Like TCG, Smartbear is utilizing its resources to battle any obstacles when it comes to this testing method. Posted by Selenium Tutorials, this article explores the most popular automation frameworks with their pros and cons. “In a very simple language, we can say that a framework is a constructive blend of various guidelines, coding standards, concepts, processes, practices, project hierarchies, modularity, reporting mechanism, test data injections etc. to pillar automation testing. Thus, user can follow these guidelines while automating application to take advantages of various productive results.”
Since there are many Test Automation Frameworks, Selenium recommends developers to use one or more of these to get the best results – in a typical scenario at least. It’s when you have a bunch of developers working on the different modules of the same application in which you would need only one Automation Testing Framework.
Many organizations are only implementing automation if testing is not meeting expectations or if it is not possible to bring in more human testers. I would suggest manual testing if it is small scale and involves more complex information. Moreover, automation is generally the best way to go, as it is cost-effective, saves time and avoids any human errors.
