Demystifying Automation Testing: How It Works and Why It Matters

Have you ever had a chance to update the application you always use and realized that the application has a very smooth interface? That is why we have use automation testing. And it’s like having a perfect inspector for your apps to guarantee that updates will not find a way to ruin things.

Of course, if you update the app, open it and all the functions operate seamlessly, it’s hard to remember that during the automation testing all parts of the application have been also checked. It provides that new changes introduced by the update do not result in hitches in your cyber realms. This more-than-a-novice safeguard of unhampered usability is transforming software construction.

When we proceed further, we will discuss more about how automation testing helps in getting functionalities, in improving the reliability and hastening the development cycles and thus plays a vital role in developing good quality software.

What is Automated Testing?

Definition and Overview

Automated testing is a testing technique in software development where the testing activities are done by tools. It executes a pattern of running tasks, and saves time for manual testers from performing monotonous tasks. This method is most important in order to get the adequate coverage of tests in limited time schedules and getting the right results.

Automated scripts run having a sequence of actions performing tests on the software operation and comparing the results with the previous run. It encapsulates manual work into scripts which are useful in massive or repetitive testing. It is integrated to different levels including, unit testing, API, and regression levels.

The usage of scripts and tools in automated testing tries to improve the general effectiveness of testing by lessening the mistake rate, executing tests in less time, and expanding the coverage. Automation tests can run at any time which integrates continuous testing and development techniques.

Application developers apply higher level automation languages such as C#, Java script, and Ruby among others with help of different tools. Automation as opposed to manual testing requires certain investment at the beginning, however it provide higher effectiveness and pay back on investment by means of exclusion of repetitive manual interferences.

How does Automated Testing work?

Automated testing is a little like having a hardworking robot check that a computer program is running smoothly. In this process, a methodical sequence of procedures is executed to investigate and authenticate software and productivity. Perhaps, it is about the time we explore the main steps that enhance the effectiveness of the automated testing process to guarantee quality.

• Selecting the Testing Tool: To start with, decide on whether the testing robot will require a tool. This tool highly depends on what they want to test and whether it is compatible with the computer system on which the software is being developed.
• Defining the Scope of Automation: Decide in which proportion the testing is to be done by the robot. This is known as the scope of automation which similar to telling the robot that this is what you should attend to in the software.
• Planning, Designing, and Developing: Develop the approach for automation, define a plan of the robot. Create or write down test scripts, which is simply telling the robot on how to go about testing the item being tested.
• Executing the Test: Use the automation scripts to carry out the testing phase. The robot complies with the instructions to ascertain that the software is properly functioning. Besides, the testing tool has the ability to store data and issue reports on the testing activities as well.
• Maintenance: Update periodically the automatically generated test scripts for correcting and enhancing them, as for instance whenever new versions of the developed software are being created. This way the robot always understands the changes in this program and remains effective to work with.

Thus, this methodical approach allows maintaining the computer program in the proper working order, and offering accurate and non-flawed results.

Types of Automation Testing

Functional Testing

Our first type of testing is functional testing. For instance, feature testing where a tester has to assess the newly developed or modified software to meet the end-users’ needs. This involves checking all activities in the application; the smoke testing, unit testing and integration testing.

• Unit Testing: Integration testing is carried out at the software components level with the smallest being functional. Said it is suitable for developers since it is fast and as a result, each part functions before the final product is released. There are three types: They are categorized as White box testing, Black box testing, and Grey box testing.
• Integration Testing: Integration testing is less elaborate and comprises of passing data between different modules of an application to perform a specific function. This ensures the interaction between the modules is smooth and reveals the wrinkle in the process.
• Smoke Testing: While smoke testing verifies the functionality for use, Integrated system testing is aimed at checking the stability of the product. If it is unstable, it is referred to as an ‘unstable build’ and is passed back to the programmers for the identification of the cause of instability.

Non-Functional Testing

Non-functional testing goes from what can the product do to how well it can do it. It looks at issues such as dependability, amenability, efficacy, and the likes.

• Performance Testing: In non-functional testing, performance testing focuses on estimating the steadiness, sensitivity, and velocity of an application based on the circumstances. It helps in identifying some problems and in maintaining software that will run continuously no matter the level of stress.
• Regression Testing: It is particularly important to engage regression testing were changes have been made to the code of software. It evaluates whether the application functions as it used to and regression testing automation makes scripts, processes, and procedures to this end.
• Keyword-Driven Testing: Keyword-driven testing employs data files with keywords about the application; these are actions required to perform certain operations. Open-source, compact, hardly change, supports intense traffic, and no need for a professional programmer.
• Data-Driven Testing: Regarding automation, it is retained and effective in data-driven testing because the code is reusable. Test cases utilize data other than stored in the concerned method, thus saving time and resources. It affords a common goal throughout the software development process so that all the goals are aligned.

In conclusion, these types of automation testing whether functional or non functional testing has a critical importance for the proper and efficient working and stability of the software applications. They enable one to spend less time on the testing, assist in reducing errors during testing and give a positive attitude towards the functionality of the software.

Benefits of Automated Testing

Testing is like conducting a check up on the software we use on a daily basis. In the same way that a doctor uses instrumentations to test health, there is a manner of testing if our software is in working order. That is called testing, yes, there are some advantages of having the automated testing. Let’s take a look at them:

• Cost Saving: The first potential benefit of automated testing is actually one of the financial types; in other words, it is immediately apparent that it is more cost-effective than conventional testing. The overall time and resources that might have been spent on manual testing can be cut down greatly with the help of automating this function. It also makes the testing cycle shorter while at the same time reducing the overall cost of the project.
• Early Bug Detection: However, what truly stands out for automation testing is early testing of bugs, a very vital part of any software engineering. Rapid and frequent testing helps in the identification of possible bugs and this can be corrected immediately as it is still in its infant stage. Such identification occurring at an early stage minimizes the chances of issues aggravating, hence enhancing the final product.
• Swift Feedback: The feedback is almost instant through automated testing and that is a huge advantage. While manual testing may take a lot of time, automated testing as a process returns results in a short time. That is why the prompt feedback is possible, which also allows to resolve problems as soon as possible, without halting the development process.
• Better Resource Allocation: One advantage of carrying out automated testing is the efficient use of the scarce resources. Using automation, organizations are provided an opportunity to free up qualified manpower from routine and time consuming test executions. This means the QA team can concentrate on detailed areas of the application that are expected to be analyzed through human-oriented testing methodologies.
• Higher Accuracy: Automated testing enhances the accuracy of the tests than manual testing huge. The errors that are likely to occur when the process is handled manually are eradicated because the test scripts are run uniformly. This way the accuracy increases and ensures the general reliability of the test results.
• Increased Test Coverage: The other benefit which is worth mentioning is much better test coverage as a result of the use of automated tests. It is possible to achieve a rather large code coverage because the automation tools can test the application features exhaustively. Such comprehensive coverage as it can be observed is hardly possible to obtain by means of manual testing only.

However, a critical approach is also required to admit the weaknesses of automated testing in the given process, despite the fact it is known to revolutionize software testing. Exploratory testing is just one of those situations, which should be still done by a human, even though many other testing types might be automated.

Nonetheless, it is necessary to underline the fact that numerous advantages always put automated testing at the core of the sets of capabilities that modern teams use at their work.

Overall, it can be stated that the case study provided a good idea of an implementing test automation strategy.

Automation Strategy and Planning

Automations is like having a helper, someone who can do things faster and at the same time check things over. But before you can wade into it, you have a strategy. In a way, it is similar to establishing targets for a trip that one is going on.

• Step 1: Defining Goals
  Firstly, try to consider the main goals and the minor actions that are needed to achieve those goals. This involves having a clear goal set on what is exactly expected out of the aspect of automation to be adopted. Consult on this roadmap with the management and the parties who are likely to impact the entire process.
• Step 2: Test Approach Planning
  Testing is arranged in a series – layers, which can be compared to the layers of a house being built. Automation is not about doing everything all at the same time. Now, let me explain you what My all-time Favorite Pyramid is?-My favorite Pyramid represents as: It’s like constructing and erecting a structure for instance a house, you begin by laying the foundation.
• Step 3: Selecting the Framework
  Involved selecting the most suitable framework to be used in the study. And now, the focal question – which of them is better to select as the working framework? It is desirable to recall this process as one of choosing appropriate equipment for one or another operation. Not really but there are different frameworks out there and one has to take his/her team and decided on which fits better like a glove. Depending on the work, different frameworks can be used, so you need to analyze the necessity, capacities, and characteristics of each to incorporate it into your project.
• Step 4: Identify Test Environment
  Make sure you know in which environment your application will be – is it developmental, is it staging or is it production environment or all the three? It is like setting up the stage for an actor’s performance; you will get ready for an event recklessly. Also, ensure your tests can be run concurrently as they are programs like two actors on the same stage. This helps in ensuring that your software is harder coded and will run in as many environment as possible and most of the operating systems.
• Step 5: Analyzing Risks
  Like everything in this world, everything has its challenges and risks too. The same applies for the automation testing. Like informing the management of some of these risks such as; Potential obstacles on the project. The idea is to inform them that you are moving before you pack up and leave. By identifying potential risks, one is in a better position to prevent them hence encouraging a more efficient execution of the plan.

When the test specifications or objects have become stable it is time to develop the actual test – that is create it, execute it, and maintain it in the subsequent steps:

• Start Small: We need to closely follow the close-ended priorities model; this means that, like in constructing a house, the main features should be set first. There’s one peculiarity about these tests: After you create them, you should incorporate them into an ongoing regimen for use. So, fertilizer and pesticide applications are also better frequent than intense. Well yes, do not forget to update every time the house is redecorated; say when the house’s colors change. The overall goal is to ensure that the tests are updated to cater for the ever changing state of the software.
• Integration in DevOps Pipeline: The final stage before software delivery is where all the DevOps pipeline components are integrated in step 7. DevOps may be compared to the smooth road that joins various segments of the route. Dependence is eliminated, and it allows any user to conduct tests and obtain reports. It is like having the specific directions to guide one through the trip. Therefore, DevOps with integration practices guarantees constant testing and deployment, making the processes more effective.
• Step 8: Reporting
  Reports are like your tour diary. It should have counts – total, passed, failed, and so on. And ensure that those who drafted them, be it technical people or otherwise, could easily read them even by the average person on the street. It is such a level of communication that it feels like explaining to people the trip you have been through. Effective and detailed writing allows one to monitor the advancements and what can be done for the worse.
• Step 9: Review and Prospect
  Journeys aren’t without bumps. Regularly review your scripts. Know what hinders fluent flow and what you could do to stop it. Indeed, it can be compared to the fact that one can enhance their guide while they are en route. This is because the conditions that prevailed when the tests were designed keep changing and new ones arise; thus, it is important to upgrade the strategy from time to time to cover all new areas.

Top Paraphrasing Myths That Majority of People Hold To Be Plausible

Organizations often consider testing methods to enhance their development process, but it’s crucial to avoid falling for these common myths about automated testing:

• Myth #1: Automated Testing Substantially Free-Ups the Developers’ Time.
  Reality: Automated testing does not get to mean that developers can take their lazy and sit back while the program runs. Instead of this, it enables them to put their efforts on broader matters concerning the development process and enhance the quality of the end-product application.
• Myth #2: AT is better than MT.
  Reality: Automated form of testing also has its own benefits as it has the manual form of testing. Thus, the combination of the two techniques has proved to be appropriate when it comes to utilizing the advantages of each to get a more concrete understanding of the application.
• Myth #3: It is immaterial for candidate to interact with other people. Automated testing makes candidate avoid other people.
  Reality: On this argument, it is noteworthy that mechanical and automated testing assist in opening new channels of conversation as opposed to what people believe. Some of the related features include commenting on a specific test script that is produced by TestComplete with an aim of enhancing collaboration.
• Myth #4: Automated testing is costly.
  Reality: But the first cost of the process may sound overwhelming, however, the time tested automated testing yields the benefits which offsets the costs. The technique saves on expense on the need to repeat test since many revisions of the codes may be needed hence costly in the long run.
• Myth #5: Test scripts can run all build versions for details about this myth let us proceed to the next topic.
  Reality: This means that although automated test scripts are more reusable in that they can be run to test new changes for different builds, then they need to be adapted to these new changes. Repeated changes have to be performed for compliance.
• Myth #6: 100% automation is possible.
  Reality: Exploratory and Usability tests for example, cannot be automated, and this makes some test cases to be executed manually. The objective of complete automation can hardly be attained as some areas of testing are best performed by individuals.
• Myth #7: Automated testing will put an end to manual testing jobs.
  Reality: The areas where testers are used are made easier by the software testing automation; [however], it does not mean that there are no more testers required in the process. Nowadays organizations expect employees, who can perform both automation and manual testing.
• Myth #8: A developer can be a good automation tester.
  Reality: A developer is a master of coding but does not possess the tester’s eye to test all possibilities. Testing is not a coding activity and therefore should not be done by the same person who codes although some people can be both coders and testers as a profession.
• Myth #9: Every person can perform automation testing.
  Reality: This has the disadvantage that while there are automation tools available, most of the time their usage is beyond the everyday software user. It cannot be overemphasized that, for automation testing to be effective, one must be familiar with testing principles.
• Myth #10: Test automation eradicates every test never as a tester again.
  Reality: When testing is automated, there are fewer repetitive tasks for testers, but they remain needed for result checking, code of new tests, problem solving, and many other issues facing a business.

Conclusively, it is vital to focus on the awareness of the fact regarding the automated testing to set effective goals and expectations and to leverage the possibilities of the testing approaches used in the process of creating software.

Manual vs. Automation Testing

Now in the world of software development, there is Automation Testing and Manual testing.

There are two primary approaches to software testing: Basically it has two type of testing, one is manual testing and the second is automation testing. Depending on the situations each of these methods can be selected and comprehending the differences between them is quite important for testing in software development life cycle (SDLC).

Balancing the manual and automation testing procedures make a solid testing approach that guarantees the generation of quality software in the least time and cost.

Automation Testing and Unit Testing

The activity to test is an important phase of software development similar to putting all the parts together in a puzzle. Two main techniques are applied, namely, Unit Testing and Automation Testing and though they are genres of different types of testing, they are essential in the field of QA. It is now time to compare them to find out more about their peculiarities and the ways they contribute to the process.

Therefore, Unit Testing acts as a very scrupulous detective that looks at each part separately, while Automation Testing acts like a highly effective security robot that has a complete view of the operation scene. Whether to use the two largely depends on the nature of the project in question.

Final Thoughts

Automation testing reduces the effort of the testers by automating all the tests and removes a lot of manual work. It is a real godsend in the software development business where deadlines are tight to say the least and quality is not easily sacrificed.

So, in order to ensure the efficient work of automation testing, one requires a proper team and the right equipment. The appropriate tool selection is critical, and when many tools are provided, it means getting only the best. This technique uses standardized automatic testing software to run test cases which increases the efficiency, coverage, and velocity of the test cases.

Finally, automation testing is not an epoch; it is a powerful tool in the creation of software, which will contribute optimal results for every phase of the project.