Software testing is a vast field, however, it may be divided into two categories: automation testing and manual testing. Both automatic and manual tests have drawbacks and benefits. Testing is an important part of any successful software development project. The type of test (automated or manual) is determined by a number of factors, including the budget, project needs, suitability, expertise, and deadline. Quality, cost, and time are three critical aspects of any project; the fundamental goal of any successful project is to reduce the time and expense required to complete it while maintaining high-quality outcomes.

Content

1. What is Automation Testing?
2. How does Automation Testing Work?
3. What are the key benefits of automation testing?
4. Automation Testing Tools
5. Automation Testing Lifecycle Methodology
6. Automation Testing Vs Manual Testing
7. What is Automation Testing Framework?

What is Automation Testing?

Automated Testing is the process of executing test cases through preset activities utilizing scripts, tools, and software. Using test automation tools, automation testing mostly finds problems. It focuses on using gadgets or systems to replace manual actions. The test scripts are implemented and the results are generated automatically by test automation tools in this phase. These programs check the software, report the results, and compare the results to previous test runs. Selenium Web Driver, HP QTP/UFT, and others are useful technologies for automating testing.

How Does Automation Testing Work?

Automated testing success needs meticulous planning and design effort. Any automated testing approach follows the steps below:

Test tool selection- After you've decided what kind of tests you'll run, you'll need to choose the correct test tool.

Define the scope of the automation testing - Next, you must decide which test cases to automate.

Plan, Design, and Develop - Once you've determined your aim and the types of tests to automate, you'll need to decide what actions your test automation will do.

Test Execution - During this stage, automated test scripts are implemented. The tool can be used directly or through the test management tool for execution.

Maintenance is required as new functions are added to the product you are testing, in order to improve automation efficacy.

Key Benefits of Automation Testing

The benefits of automated testing are as follows:

• 65-70% faster than the manual test
• Reliable in outcomes
• Fast feedback Cycle
• High test coverage of app features
• Saves Cost and Time
• Ensure Consistency
• Great accuracy
• Reusability of Test Suite
• Human Intervention is not necessary while execution
• Increases Efficiency
• Test thoroughly and Frequently
• Better insights
• Earlier Detection of Bugs
• Less pressure on the QA team
• More cycles of execution can be attained via. automation
• Fast time to market
• Reduce Human Error
• Information Security

Top Automation Testing Tools

Finding the right tool for the job is crucial to automated testing success. With so many commercial and open-source automated test tools to choose from, picking the right one can be difficult. With an automated test procedure in place, there is no need for human intervention, and the automated tools are capable of swiftly executing test scripts. Here is a list of the top 20 test automation tools that help you choose the best one for you. The list of test automation tools are as follows: 

• Selenium
• Ranorex
• Appium
• Katalon Studio
• Cucumber
• ACCELQ
• QTP Microfocus UFT
• HPE Unified Functional Testing (UFT)
• IBM Rational Functional Tester (RFT)
• SoapUI
• TestComplete
• Apache Jmeter
• Testim
• WATIR
• SilkTest
• LambdaTest
• Testsigma
• Test Studio
• TestCraft
• Zephyr

The right automated test technology, testing technique, and personnel are all important factors in the effectiveness of automated testing. Successful testing requires both automated and manual testing methodologies.

Automation Testing Life Cycle

Parallel to the SDLC (software development life cycle) operations, the automated test life cycle runs. The structured test automation life cycle is a multi-phase approach that supports the actions required to introduce and use a test automation tool, develop test design, develop and execute test cases, and build and manage the test environment and data.

Different Phases of Test Automation Life Cycle Methodology:

• Defining The Scope Of Test Automation
• Choosing The Appropriate Tool For Automation
• Testing Plan + Design + Strategy
• Setting Up The Suitable Testing Environment
• Automated Test Script Development + Implementation
• Analysis + Creation Of Test Reports

Overall, the right automated testing technology, testing technique, and personnel are critical factors in the success of automated tests. Automation and manual techniques go hand-in-hand for successful tests.

Automation Testing vs Manual Testing

Both automated and manual tests cover a wide range of topics. Both have their own set of strengths and weaknesses. Integration testing, white box testing, black-box testing, performance testing, load testing, and system testing are only a few of the test approaches available within each category. Some of these strategies work best with manual tests, while others work better with automation.

A QA engineer uses scripts, code, and test automation tools to do automated tests, whereas manual testing is done by hand (such as QA analyst). Manual Testing is a time-consuming technique, but Test Automation is quick. Without programming skills, an automated test is not possible, whereas a manual test is doable. 

What is Automation Testing Framework?

Automation Framework is more than a single device or cycle; it is a collection of devices and cycles that work together to aid automated testing of any application. It coordinates many capacities such as libraries, test data, and various reusable modules.

Importance of a Software Testing Automation Framework

Automated testing is supported by Structure as a customized execution rule. Consider a scenario in which a testing group consists of people who rely on different mechanization testing codes. Furthermore, they are unable to comprehend the fundamental pieces of code and contents updated by a colleague in a project.

The automation system not only allows the code to be reused in multiple situations but also motivates the team to keep track of the test content in a consistent manner. As a result, the test robotization structure takes care of everything. Every auto system is unique in terms of design, focal points, and drawbacks. The following are a few examples of these structures:

1) Linear Automation Framework: The linear Automation framework is commonly used to test small applications. A record and playback system is another name for this structure.

Pros: There's no compelling reason to write bespoke code, therefore test computerization expertise isn't required.

Cons: Because the information is hardcoded in the test material, the studies cannot be re-run with other sets of data. If the information is changed, you must implement certain changes.

2) Modular Driven Framework: With this framework, the tester can break down the entire application into smaller modules based on the customer's needs and provide test material independently.

Pros: The modular-based approach ensures content segregation, making support and adaptability easier. You can create test content for no charge.

Cons: The specific driven system necessitates more time to examine the tests and identify reusable streams.

3) Behaviour Driven Development Framework: The goal of a Behavior Driven Development framework is to provide a stage that allows each individual, such as developers, testers, and business experts, to participate successfully. It also improves collaboration between the tester and the engineers on your project.

Pros: This conduct-driven testing allows you to make test details using non-specialized, characteristic language.

Cons: Adequate specialized aptitudes, as well as a relevant understanding of Test-driven innovation, is essential to work with this system.

4) Data-driven Testing Framework: Generally, Test Data is gathered from external documents such as Excel Files, Text Files, CSV Files, ODBC Sources, and DAO Objects and stacked into the Test Script's components. We can create test automatic contents using the information-driven system by completing various arrangements of assessment information.

Pros: It reduces the amount of content required. As a result, new scenarios may be tested with fewer codes.

Cons: To fully utilize the design of this structure, you will need a highly experienced tester who is proficient in a variety of programming languages.

5) Framework for Keyword-Driven Testing: The main attraction Table-driven testing is another name for the driven testing system. This solution is only suitable for small businesses or applications. The substance of the automation tests is decided by the watchwords in the project's dominating sheet.

Pros: Because a single keyword may be used across multiple test topics, the code is reusable.

Cons: The underlying expense of setting up the structure is high, and the time has come burning-through and complex.

6) Hybrid test Automation Framework: To combine the benefits of Keyword Driven and Data-Driven structures, a hybrid framework is used.

Pros: This type of system takes advantage of the benefits of a number of different systems.

Cons: In a Hybrid Testing Framework, all tests are totally programmed, which increases the automation effort.