Why Is Test Automation Framework Important?  

Test automation is a critical element of the agile SDLC, and the test automation framework helps accelerate the development of new versions at a more rapid pace. The need for test automation strategies and methodologies has led to the growth of test automation frameworks, i.e., a combination of tools, features, programs, compilers, and best practices to optimize the testing processes. The major components that facilitate test execution and reporting are the test equipment, tools, procedures, scripts, and test automation engineers.

 Components of a test automation framework  

A strategic test data management approach is essential for effective test automation. To start with:

The testing equipment must include resources, such as plugins or libraries, to sift through the test data and find the right data for testing. It must also include a simulation tool to ensure that the data is easy to harness. Having the test cases well-defined and organized can go a long way to performing efficient testing. These testing libraries include unit testing, integration, and end-to-end testing, and behavior-driven development.

Testers and developers use unit testing in the test automation framework to define the testing methods. It is also useful to run simplified tests. They support testing the code at each unit or module level before moving on to integration testing.

As various units interact with one another and external dependencies, testing units in isolation will not suffice. Integration testing is the next phase in the test automation framework.

Behavior-driven development is key to successful automation testing. While unit and integration testing are important, these tests also depend on the functionality that is tested. It means that every code change will require a change in the test case. On the other hand, behavior-driven development can help convert features and scenarios of expected behavior into code, aligning the code with the scope and intent of automated testing.

Knowing the components of test automation frameworks is one thing. But, knowing that qualified test automation engineers are essential to success can be critical.

Moreover, selecting the right framework for your software testing is another challenge as there are different test automation frameworks. Here are a few:

Types of Test Automation Frameworks  

Linear framework

A linear test automation framework involves sequential creating of test scripts and running them individually. The linear framework doesn’t require custom code as the test scripts are written for one functionality at a time and tested. The linear framework is simpler, flexible, and fast.

Modular-based framework

Testing cases by breaking them into smaller modules using an incremental and non-incremental approach makes each test independent at first before testing the application as a whole. It helps that the test script can be stored in the function library, allowing changes without changing the whole application. The modular approach is scalable, reusable, and efficient, saving time and effort.

Library architecture framework

The library architecture test framework helps identify similar tasks within the test script, making it easier to test in groups. The sorted functions can be stored in the library, enabling code reusability across different test scripts. This framework is cost-effective, scalable, and has a higher ROI in the long term.

Keyword-driven framework

A test framework that is keyword-driven helps separate test data from script logic before storing the data externally. Although the keywords associated with actions testing the GUI are a part of the test script, they are stored in a different location. The keyword is still associated with an action or object. The advantage of this is that you can use one keyword repeatedly across other scripts, making it reusable, low maintenance, and scalable.

Data-driven framework

Segregating the test data and script logic and storing the data outside helps the testers vary the data to alter testing scenarios. Moreover, you can use the created reusable test scripts for testing different data sets. The data-driven test automation framework is scalable and flexible, with fewer scripts, and ensures faster testing.

Benefits of test automation frameworks  

A structured test automation framework can help the QA team with the entire testing process by improving the test accuracy and speed. Key benefits of a test automation framework include:

  • Resource optimization: A robust test automation framework facilitates using different resources based on the enterprise’s needs. With a highly flexible process, enterprises can utilize their resources more efficiently.
  • Greater volume of testing: Automated testing enables running many tests on different devices at once.
  • Simultaneous testing: With the automated test scripts, testers can run tests on different devices simultaneously and generate comparative test reports quickly.
  • Reliability and speed: Test automation reduces time and effort from the QA team as they can simultaneously run the tests and get the test results in a short amount of time. Automated testing is also more reliable because of reduced human errors.

 Wrapping it up

Given that test automation increases the speed and precision of the testing, improves product quality, and offers remote testing possibilities, it is clearly the way to a higher enterprise ROI.

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