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SOFTWARE AUTOMATION & TESTING

Automation Testing 101: A Informative Guide

By Lukesh S

In the world of software development, testing is the backbone that ensures the quality and reliability of a product. Replacing repetitive manual tasks with automated scripts allows teams to focus on innovation while maintaining the testing standards.

Among the many types of testing, automation testing stands out for its efficiency and accuracy. If you’re new to the concept, let’s dive into what automation testing is and why it’s a game-changer in the software industry.

This article covers the essentials of automation testing, covering what it is, why it matters, when to use it, popular tools, and best practices to help you streamline your testing process and achieve consistent, high-quality results. So, without further ado, let us get started!

Table of contents


  1. What Exactly Is Automation Testing?
  2. How Does Automation Testing Work? 
    • Identifying What to Test
    • Selecting the Right Automation Tool
    • Designing the Test Framework
    • Writing Test Scripts
    • Running the Tests
    • Capturing and Analyzing Results
    • Debugging and Maintenance
  3. Common Tools Used in Automation Testing
    • Selenium
    • Appium
    • TestComplete
    • Cypress
    • JUnit
    • Jenkins
  4. Automation Testing Best Practices
    • Start Small and Scale Gradually
    • Focus on High-Value Test Cases
    • Choose the Right Tools and Frameworks
    • Maintain Test Scripts Regularly
    • Combine Manual and Automated Testing
    • Implement a Robust Test Framework
    • Integrate Automation into CI/CD Pipelines
  5. When Should You Perform Automation Testing? 
    • Repetitive Tests
    • Tests That Require Large Data Sets
    • Cross-Platform Testing
    • Complex and Lengthy Scenarios
    • Scenarios Prone to Human Error
  6. When NOT to Use Automation Testing
  7. Conclusion
  8. FAQs
    • What is automation testing?
    • Why is automation testing important?
    • Which test cases should be automated?
    • What are some popular automation testing tools?
    • What are the challenges of automation testing?

What Exactly Is Automation Testing?

What Exactly Is Automation Testing?

To put it simply, automation testing is a process of using software tools to execute test cases automatically. 

Instead of relying on a human to manually check every button, field, and feature of an application, automation testing uses scripts and tools to perform these checks swiftly and repeatedly. 

This means you can test more in less time with fewer errors caused by human oversight. Imagine having a team of tireless robots that execute your tests, report back with results, and even retest fixed issues, all without needing a coffee break. That’s automation testing in a nutshell!

How Does Automation Testing Work? 

How Does Automation Testing Work? 

Automation testing is a systematic process that combines the power of software tools, scripting, and frameworks to execute pre-defined test cases. To understand it better, let’s break it down step by step.

1. Identifying What to Test

The first step in automation testing is deciding what needs to be tested. Not all tests are suitable for automation. Typically, you’d want to automate:

  • Repetitive test cases like regression tests.
  • Tests that run across multiple configurations, browsers, or devices.
  • Complex workflows that are time-consuming to test manually.
  • Tests requiring a large dataset for input validation.

The goal is to focus on areas where automation adds the most value, such as saving time and improving accuracy.

2. Selecting the Right Automation Tool

The choice of automation tool is critical and depends on your project needs. For example:

  • For web applications, Selenium is a popular choice.
  • For mobile apps, Appium works well.
  • Tools like TestComplete, UFT, and Ranorex are great for comprehensive multi-platform testing.

Key considerations when choosing a tool include:

  • Compatibility with your application.
  • Ease of use and learning curve.
  • Integration with your development pipeline.
  • Budget (open-source vs. commercial).

3. Designing the Test Framework

A test automation framework provides the structure and guidelines for writing and executing test scripts. It defines how tests are:

  • Organized (e.g., modular, keyword-driven, data-driven).
  • Executed (e.g., sequentially or in parallel).
  • Reported (e.g., generating logs and test results).

Some popular frameworks include:

  • JUnit or TestNG for Java-based projects.
  • Pytest for Python-based automation.
  • Cucumber for behavior-driven testing.

The framework acts as the foundation for efficient and reusable test automation.

4. Writing Test Scripts

Test scripts are the heart of automation testing. These scripts simulate user actions (e.g., logging in, submitting a form) or system behaviors. Writing effective scripts involves:

  • Understanding the Application: Know the workflows and edge cases to be tested.
  • Programming Skills: Automation often requires basic to intermediate coding knowledge in languages like Java, Python, or JavaScript, depending on the tool.
  • Defining Test Steps: Break down the scenario into clear, actionable steps. For example:
    • Navigate to the login page.
    • Enter a valid username and password.
    • Click the login button.
    • Verify successful login.

Tools like record-and-playback (e.g., Katalon Studio, Testim) can help beginners generate scripts without deep coding expertise.

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5. Running the Tests

Once the scripts are ready, you execute them using the chosen automation tool. Here’s what happens during this stage:

  • The automation tool reads the test script and performs the actions on the application under test (AUT).
  • It simulates user actions, such as clicking buttons, entering data, or navigating pages.
  • The tool compares the actual output (what the application does) with the expected output (what the script specifies).

Tests can be run on:

  • Local Environments: Your development machine or server.
  • Cloud Platforms: Tools like BrowserStack or Sauce Labs provide access to multiple configurations remotely.
  • Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD): Tools like Jenkins or GitHub Actions integrate test execution directly into the development pipeline.

6. Capturing and Analyzing Results

After the test execution, the tool generates a detailed report showing:

  • Pass/Fail Status: Whether each test case succeeded or failed.
  • Error Logs: Details of failures, including screenshots, stack traces, or console logs.
  • Execution Time: How long each test took.

This data helps identify bugs or issues that need fixing and allows developers to address them promptly.

7. Debugging and Maintenance

Automation testing doesn’t stop after running the tests. Applications evolve over time, and so do the test scripts. Regular maintenance ensures:

  • Scripts remain compatible with application updates.
  • New features are tested by adding corresponding scripts.
  • False positives (tests that fail without a real issue) are minimized.

By understanding its workflow from identifying test cases to maintaining scripts, you can leverage automation to save time, reduce errors, and deliver better software. 

Common Tools Used in Automation Testing

Common Tools Used in Automation Testing

There are several automation testing tools available, each with unique features suited for different types of applications. Here’s a brief overview of some of the most popular ones:

1. Selenium

  • Type: Open-source, Web Testing Tool.
  • Best For: Web applications.
  • Key Features: Selenium supports multiple browsers (Chrome, Firefox, etc.) and programming languages (Java, Python, C#, etc.). It’s one of the most widely used tools for automating web browsers.

2. Appium

  • Type: Open-source, Mobile Testing Tool.
  • Best For: Mobile applications (iOS and Android).
  • Key Features: Appium allows you to write tests in multiple programming languages (Java, Python, JavaScript, etc.) and supports both native and hybrid mobile apps.

3. TestComplete

  • Type: Commercial, All-in-One Testing Tool.
  • Best For: Web, mobile, and desktop applications.
  • Key Features: TestComplete offers a user-friendly interface with support for multiple scripting languages and integrates well into CI/CD pipelines. It’s known for its record-and-playback feature, making it easier for beginners.

4. Cypress

  • Type: Open-source, JavaScript-based Web Testing Tool.
  • Best For: Web applications (especially for front-end JavaScript frameworks).
  • Key Features: Cypress offers fast, real-time testing and automatic waiting. It’s highly suitable for modern web applications and integrates easily with frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.js.

5. JUnit

  • Type: Open-source, Unit Testing Framework.
  • Best For: Java-based applications.
  • Key Features: JUnit is commonly used for unit testing and integrates with many other tools and frameworks, making it a staple in automated test suites for Java projects.

6. Jenkins

  • Type: Open-source, CI/CD Tool.
  • Best For: Continuous integration and automated testing in CI/CD pipelines.
  • Key Features: Jenkins automates the entire software build and testing process, allowing for continuous testing. It integrates with numerous automation testing tools to ensure seamless testing workflows.

Choosing the right automation testing tool depends on your specific needs whether it’s for web, mobile, or performance testing. 

Automation Testing Best Practices

Automation Testing Best Practices

To maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of automation testing, follow these best practices:

1. Start Small and Scale Gradually

Begin by automating a few critical and repetitive test cases before expanding to a larger test suite. This helps identify potential challenges early on and ensures a smooth transition into automation.

2. Focus on High-Value Test Cases

Prioritize automating tests that:

  • Are repetitive (e.g., regression tests).
  • Run across multiple configurations (e.g., cross-browser or cross-device testing).
  • Involve complex workflows or large datasets.

3. Choose the Right Tools and Frameworks

Select tools that align with your application type (web, mobile, API), team expertise, and project requirements. Tools like Selenium, Appium, or Cypress are good starting points depending on your needs.

4. Maintain Test Scripts Regularly

As your application evolves, update the test scripts to reflect new features or changes. This prevents outdated scripts from causing failures and ensures consistent results.

5. Combine Manual and Automated Testing

Not all tests are suited for automation. Use manual testing for exploratory, UX, and one-off test scenarios, while leveraging automation for repetitive and data-heavy tests.

6. Implement a Robust Test Framework

Adopt a scalable and reusable framework, such as data-driven, keyword-driven, or hybrid frameworks, to organize and execute test cases effectively.

7. Integrate Automation into CI/CD Pipelines

Incorporate automated tests into your continuous integration and deployment workflows to catch bugs early and streamline the development process.

By adhering to these best practices, you can build a robust and efficient automation testing strategy that enhances software quality and streamlines your development process.

When Should You Perform Automation Testing? 

When Should You Perform Automation Testing? 

In the previous section, we teased a bit that automation testing can’t be used in all cases. Automation testing isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and its effectiveness depends on the context and specific requirements of your project. 

Let’s explore the scenarios where automation testing is the most beneficial.

1. Repetitive Tests

One of the most common use cases for automation testing is when tests need to be run repeatedly over time. These are typically:

  • Regression Tests: Every time you update or change your software, you need to ensure that existing features still work as expected. Automating regression tests saves you from repeatedly performing the same checks manually.
  • Smoke Tests: These are preliminary tests to check if the basic functionality of an application works. Automating smoke tests ensures quick feedback after code changes.

2. Tests That Require Large Data Sets

Manual testing with extensive datasets can be tedious and error-prone. Automation testing excels when you need to:

  • Input large volumes of data.
  • Validate the application’s performance or behavior under different data scenarios.
  • Ensure accurate calculations or processes involving multiple combinations of data.

3. Cross-Platform Testing

If your application needs to work seamlessly across multiple environments, browsers, or devices, automation is ideal. Tools like Selenium or BrowserStack can automate compatibility testing across:

  • Different operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux).
  • Multiple browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari).
  • Mobile devices (iOS, Android).

4. Complex and Lengthy Scenarios

Automating tests that involve complex workflows with multiple steps can save a significant amount of time. Such scenarios might include:

  • Testing multi-step user journeys like signing up, purchasing, and checking order history.
  • Verifying intricate backend processes such as batch processing or data synchronization.

5. Scenarios Prone to Human Error

Repetitive tasks and complex scenarios can lead to mistakes when performed manually. Automation ensures:

  • Consistency in execution.
  • Precise results without the risk of missing steps.

Example:

Validating calculations in a tax-filing application that uses hundreds of parameters to determine the final outcome.

When NOT to Use Automation Testing

It’s not enough when you know when to use automation testing. It’s equally important to recognize when automation testing isn’t the right approach:

  • Exploratory Testing: This involves human intuition and creativity to discover new issues, which automation can’t replicate.
  • One-Time or Rarely Executed Tests: Writing and maintaining automation scripts isn’t cost-effective for tests you’ll only run once or occasionally.
  • User Experience (UX) Testing: Automation can’t judge subjective elements like aesthetics, user flow, or emotional appeal.
  • Rapidly Changing Requirements: If the test cases and application features change frequently, maintaining automation scripts can become cumbersome.

You should use automation testing when it can deliver speed, accuracy, and scalability for your testing needs. Remember, the key to success is knowing when and where to implement automation. 

If you want to learn Automation Testing with Selenium guided by a professional Tester, consider enrolling in GUVI’s Certified Selenium Automation Testing Course which not only teaches you everything about the subject but also provides you with an industry-grade certificate!

Conclusion

In conclusion, automation testing is an essential part of modern software development, offering speed, accuracy, and scalability. Whether you’re a budding tester or part of a seasoned QA team, embracing automation testing can elevate the quality and efficiency of your projects.

Remember, automation isn’t about replacing manual testing entirely, it’s about enhancing it.

FAQs

What is automation testing?

Automation testing uses specialized software tools to execute test cases automatically, comparing actual outcomes with expected results to ensure software quality.

Why is automation testing important?

It enhances testing efficiency, accuracy, and coverage, reduces manual effort, and accelerates the software development lifecycle.

Which test cases should be automated?

Automate repetitive, time-consuming, and critical test cases, such as regression tests, to improve efficiency and reliability.

Common tools include Selenium for web applications, Appium for mobile apps, and JUnit for unit testing in Java applications.

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What are the challenges of automation testing?

Challenges include high initial setup costs, maintenance of test scripts, and ensuring the reliability of automated tests.

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Table of contents Table of contents
Table of contents Articles
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  1. What Exactly Is Automation Testing?
  2. How Does Automation Testing Work? 
    • Identifying What to Test
    • Selecting the Right Automation Tool
    • Designing the Test Framework
    • Writing Test Scripts
    • Running the Tests
    • Capturing and Analyzing Results
    • Debugging and Maintenance
  3. Common Tools Used in Automation Testing
    • Selenium
    • Appium
    • TestComplete
    • Cypress
    • JUnit
    • Jenkins
  4. Automation Testing Best Practices
    • Start Small and Scale Gradually
    • Focus on High-Value Test Cases
    • Choose the Right Tools and Frameworks
    • Maintain Test Scripts Regularly
    • Combine Manual and Automated Testing
    • Implement a Robust Test Framework
    • Integrate Automation into CI/CD Pipelines
  5. When Should You Perform Automation Testing? 
    • Repetitive Tests
    • Tests That Require Large Data Sets
    • Cross-Platform Testing
    • Complex and Lengthy Scenarios
    • Scenarios Prone to Human Error
  6. When NOT to Use Automation Testing
  7. Conclusion
  8. FAQs
    • What is automation testing?
    • Why is automation testing important?
    • Which test cases should be automated?
    • What are some popular automation testing tools?
    • What are the challenges of automation testing?