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What are Automation Testing Tools? Best Practices to follow, Types and frameworks.

Imagine you’re testing a new piece of software to make sure it works correctly. Normally, this means someone sitting at a computer, clicking buttons, and checking if everything behaves as it should. It’s time-consuming and prone to human error.

Automation testing tools are like little helpers that do this job automatically. Instead of a person doing all the clicking and checking, these tools run tests on the software without needing constant human supervision. They check if different parts of the software are working properly, like if buttons do what they’re supposed to, or if data is being saved correctly.

A survey found that almost everyone involved in testing thinks being able to use these automation tools is really important for doing well in the industry.

So, automation testing tools make testing software easier and faster, helping to catch problems before they cause any trouble.

Table of contents

What are Automation Testing Tools?

Automation testing tools are software programs that help you set up and run tests on other software without needing much human involvement. They’re handy because they can handle a variety of testing tasks, like checking if an app works on different devices or making sure a website functions correctly.

These tools work on different platforms, like smartphones, tablets, and computers. With automation, tests can run without someone having to watch over them all the time. This means you can test your code anytime, day or night, which speeds up the testing process.

But automation testing tools aren’t just for running tests. They also help in finding and fixing problems in your software, making sure it works smoothly. That’s why many people prefer using them over doing all the testing manually.

8 Core Benefits of Automation Testing Tools

Saving Costs
Faster Feedback Loop
Better Allocation of Resources
Guarantees Higher Accuracy
Increased Test Coverage
Detects bugs earlier
Test at Scale
Maximizes ROI

Automation testing offers several key benefits that make the software development process more efficient. Let’s explore these benefits

Saving Costs: While setting up automation testing may seem expensive at first, it actually saves money in the long run. Manual testing is costly because it’s time-consuming and prone to errors. Automation reduces testing time and increases accuracy, ultimately saving money.
Faster Feedback Loop: Automation tools run tests quickly, providing feedback on software performance much faster than manual testing. This helps developers identify and fix issues sooner, keeping the development process moving smoothly.
Better Allocation of Resources: With automation handling repetitive tasks, testers can focus on more valuable activities like creating new test cases or reviewing results. This improves team productivity and morale.
Guaranteed Accuracy: Automation ensures consistent and accurate test results every time, eliminating human error from the testing process.
Increased Test Coverage: Automation allows for a larger number of test cases to be executed, leading to better coverage of software features and requirements. This reduces the risk of bugs slipping through to the final product.
Early Bug Detection: Automation catches bugs early in the development process, when they’re easier and cheaper to fix. This improves software quality and reduces the time spent on debugging later on.
Testing at Scale: Automation can simulate large-scale testing scenarios that would be impossible or impractical with manual testing. This includes load testing and cross-browser testing across multiple devices and platforms.
Maximized ROI: By speeding up testing and reducing the time to market, automation ultimately leads to a higher return on investment for businesses.

Overall, automation testing streamlines the development process, improves software quality, and ultimately saves time and money for businesses.

10 Test Automation Best Practices to follow

Decide which tests to automate

You can’t automate every test, so start by choosing tests that involve repetitive actions, are prone to human error, require multiple data sets, span across different builds, or need to run on various platforms.

Divide tasks based on skill

Assign test creation tasks to team members based on their technical expertise. For example, those with coding skills can handle tests that require scripting, while others can focus on tests that don’t need coding.

Collective Ownership of Tests

Make sure the whole team is involved in automation testing projects. This ensures everyone understands the process and can contribute effectively.

Remove uncertainty

Ensure test results are consistent and accurate by eliminating unstable tests from regression packs and keeping tests up to date.

Pick the right testing framework or tool

Choose tools that match your software type and your team’s programming skills. Consider whether you need open-source or commercial tools based on your budget and requirements.

Test on real devices

Test your website or app on real devices to ensure compatibility with different configurations and user conditions. Emulators and simulators can’t replicate real-world scenarios accurately.

Keep Records for Better Debugging

Keep records of test failures, including screenshots and logs, to identify reasons for failure. Choose tools that offer built-in mechanisms for saving test data and results.

Use Data-Driven Tests

Simplify testing of multiple data points by implementing data-driven tests, which allow you to analyze different data sets quickly and accurately.

Early and Frequent Testing

Start testing early in the development lifecycle and run tests frequently to detect and fix bugs as soon as possible. This saves time and money in the long run.

Prioritize Detailed & Quality Test Reporting

Set up reporting infrastructure to generate detailed reports for every test, grouping them according to parameters like type or functionality. This helps in analyzing results effectively after each testing cycle.

9 Types Of Automation Testing

Unit Testing: This tests small parts of the software individually. It’s like checking each brick before building the whole house.
Smoke Tests: These check if the basic functions of the software are working. It’s like making sure a car starts before going on a long trip.
Integration Tests: These check if different parts of the software work well together, like making sure all the gears in a machine mesh smoothly.
Regression Tests: They ensure that changes to the software don’t break existing functionality. It’s like double-checking that a repaired car still drives smoothly.
API Testing: This checks the connections between different software systems, ensuring they communicate properly. It’s like making sure all the wires are connected in a complex machine.
Security Tests: These look for vulnerabilities in the software that could be exploited by hackers. It’s like checking all the locks on your house to keep it safe.
Performance Tests: They evaluate how well the software handles stress and delivers a good user experience. It’s like making sure a bridge can support heavy traffic without collapsing.
Acceptance Tests: These ensure the software meets the requirements and expectations of end-users. It’s like getting approval from customers before launching a new product.
UI Tests: These check if the user interface of the software works smoothly and is easy to use. It’s like making sure all the buttons and switches in a car are in the right place and work correctly.

Test Automation Frameworks

Once you’ve decided on the type of automated testing you need, the next step is to select a framework to organize the testing process.

Test automation frameworks offer a structured approach, ensuring consistency and efficiency across the testing team. Here are some common types:

Linear Framework (Record and Playback)

This approach involves creating a test script for each test case.
It’s simple and suited for smaller teams with limited automation experience.

Modular Based Framework

Test cases are divided into small, independent modules, each handling a different scenario.
A single master script oversees all modules.
This framework is efficient but requires careful planning and is best for experienced testers.

Library Architecture Framework

An extension of the modular-based approach, tasks are grouped in the test script based on common objectives.
Functions are stored in a library for quick access when needed.
This framework offers flexibility but requires time to create scripts and is best suited for testers with automation experience.

Top 7 Automation Testing Tools List

60% of project teams in North America face challenges in implementing test automation effectively within Agile development. Choosing the right automation testing tool for developers can help your team avoid this hurdle.

There are numerous automation testing tools available, each catering to different needs and projects. Selecting the right one depends on the specifics of your work and the functionalities you require. Here is a list of the best automation testing tools.

testRigor

Best for scalability and end-to-end tests.
Uses AI for test creation in plain English.
Supports web, mobile browsers, mobile apps, and APIs.
Reduces test maintenance time.
Pricing starts at $300 per month with a 14-day free trial.

Avo Assure

Best for no-code test automation.
Supports various technologies for web, mobile, ERP, mainframes, and desktop.
Comes with a keyword library for test case building.
Integrates with CI/CD and SDLC tools.
Custom pricing available with a 14-day free trial.

Mabl

Best for integrating testing with existing workflows.
Cloud-native testing platform with collaborative features.
Collects data and provides AI-driven insights into test failures.
Offers seamless execution of automated tests.

Selenium

Best for testing web-based applications.
Supports multiple programming languages.
Automation suites for bug reproduction and regression testing.
Open source and free to use.

Squish

Best for testing graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and human-machine interfaces (HMIs).
Works across platforms including Windows, web, Android, iOS, and Java.
Supports multiple coding languages.

Testim

Best for automated testing with artificial intelligence.
Allows for both coded and codeless automation testing.
Uses AI to improve test resiliency and create reports.

Katalon Studio

Best for integrating tests into CI/CD pipelines.
Covers desktop, web, and mobile applications.
Supports multiple operating systems and devices.
Works with Cucumber for plain language test writing.
Offers regular updates and partnerships.

Conclusion

In conclusion, automation testing tools play a crucial role in modern software development, offering numerous benefits such as increased efficiency, faster time-to-market, improved test coverage, and enhanced accuracy. By automating repetitive testing tasks and facilitating comprehensive testing across various platforms and scenarios, these tools empower teams to deliver high-quality software with confidence. However, it’s essential to carefully evaluate and select the right automation testing tools based on project requirements, team expertise, and budget constraints. With the right tools in place, organizations can streamline their testing processes, mitigate risks, and ultimately deliver exceptional products that meet user expectations.

Engage top 5% of SQA engineers from MentorSol and rest assured, entrust your testing requirements to us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are automation testing tools for web applications?

Automation testing tools for web applications are software programs designed to automate the testing process of web-based applications. They simulate user interactions to validate the functionality, performance, and usability of web applications.

What are the different types of automation testing tools available?

There are various types of automation testing tools available, including:

Functional testing tools for testing the functionality of applications.
Performance testing tools for evaluating the performance and scalability of applications.
UI testing tools for testing the user interface and user experience of applications.
API testing tools for testing the functionality and performance of APIs.
Mobile testing tools for testing mobile applications on different devices and platforms.

What types of testing can be performed using free automation testing tools?

Free automation testing tools support various types of testing, including functional testing, regression testing, performance testing, and more.

What are the advantages of using free automation testing tools?

The main advantage is cost-saving, as you don’t have to invest in purchasing licenses or subscriptions. Additionally, many free tools offer a wide range of features comparable to paid ones.

Can free automation testing tools be upgraded to premium versions later on?

Yes, many free automation testing tools offer premium versions with additional features and support. Upgrading to a paid version may be beneficial as your testing needs grow.

What types of testing can be performed using free automation testing tools?

Free automation testing tools support various types of testing, including functional testing, regression testing, performance testing, and more.

How do automation testing tools for web applications work?

Automation testing tools for web applications typically utilize scripting or recording functionalities to create test scripts that simulate user actions, such as clicking buttons, filling out forms, and navigating through web pages. These scripts are then executed automatically to perform tests.