5 Mistakes in Test Automation

Automating manual work makes employees' life easier. If set up correctly, it pays off well, justifying the costs of equipment, software and retraining. However, in an effort to automate everything, people often make mistakes and get a different result than expected. The same can happen with test automation. I have been working in this area for more than 10 years, so I have prepared for you the top 5 mistakes in automation. Read this article to automate your software testing in the most efficient way!

Mistake #1. Focusing on Tool Selection Over Strategy

Just selecting the test automation tool is not enough to guarantee success. Many organizations make the mistake of prioritizing tool selection over developing a comprehensive test automation strategy. Before opting for a tool, understand the business needs, set goals, and create a testing framework to guide automation efforts. This approach ensures that the automation tool fits the needs of the organization and aligns with the overall testing strategy.

What are the steps of creating a strategy?

1. Identify the scope of automation.
2. Choose the appropriate automation tools.
3. Determine the test cases to be automated.
4. Create an automation framework.
5. Develop and execute automation scripts.
6. Analyze and report test results.

Choosing the automation tools is just a part of the overall strategy. Pay equal attention to all the steps.

Mistake #2. Neglecting Maintenance and Scalability

Test automation requires ongoing maintenance and updates to ensure that it continues to run smoothly and effectively. Neglecting maintenance and scalability considerations can lead to problems down the line. Many organizations assume that once test automation is implemented, it will continue to function without ongoing maintenance. However, test automation requires regular maintenance, such as using version control and regularly reviewing and updating test scripts, to ensure that it remains reliable and up-to-date.

Mistake #3. Over-Reliance on Record and Playback

Record and playback tools can be useful for creating initial test scripts, but they can also lead to problems. Some companies rely too heavily on record and playback without understanding the underlying code or customizing tests to match changing requirements. This approach results in brittle and fragile tests. They fail to provide reliable results. Instead, organizations should consider alternatives, such as using code-based test automation frameworks to ensure more robust and maintainable test automation.

Here are some alternatives to consider:

1. Use a scripting language.
2. Implement a test automation framework.
3. Use model-based testing.
4. Implement continuous integration and continuous testing.
5. Consider exploratory testing.

Approach test automation as a strategic initiative that requires a thoughtful and comprehensive approach. By combining the right tools and techniques, you will create a powerful and effective testing infrastructure that provides fast and accurate feedback on the quality of your software.

Mistake #4. Failure to Integrate with the Development Process

Test automation is most effective when it is integrated with the overall software development process. Don't treat test automation as a separate, siloed process that occurs after development is complete. If you do, testing won't adequately cover the software product's features and requirements. To avoid this mistake, consider integrating test automation with the development process, using continuous integration and regularly collaborating with developers to ensure tests are relevant and effective.

Mistake #5. Attempts to Get Rid of Manual Testing

This error is a consequence of insufficient attention to planning. It's a misconception that everything can be automated. Depending on the objectives of your project, you will be able to identify activities and even types of testing that are less efforts and money consuming when done manually.

Here are some examples of tasks that may not be good candidates for automation:

1. User interface (UI) testing for cosmetic issues: These issues are often subjective and require human evaluation to determine if they are acceptable or not.
2. One-time tests: Automating one-time tests can be a waste of resources and can even be counterproductive if the automation effort takes longer than the time it would take to execute the test manually.
3. Tests that require human decision-making: Some tests require human judgment or decision-making based on contextual information, such as exploratory testing. These tests are not well-suited for automation, as they require human intuition and experience to be executed effectively.
4. Tests that require frequent updates: If a test case requires frequent updates or changes, it may not be worth the effort to automate it. Automating tests that require frequent updates can be time-consuming and may not provide much value in terms of increased efficiency or accuracy.
5. Tests that are difficult to automate: Some testing tasks, such as testing non-graphical interfaces or testing certain hardware configurations, can be difficult to automate effectively. In these cases, it may be more practical and effective to perform the tests manually.

Conclusion

Test automation is an essential process in software development that saves time, reduces costs, and increases efficiency. However, it is crucial to avoid common mistakes that can derail the entire process. It is important to focus on developing a comprehensive test automation strategy rather than just selecting the right tool. Maintenance and scalability considerations should not be overlooked. Organizations must avoid over-reliance on record and playback tools and integrate test automation with the overall software development process to ensure that tests are relevant and effective. Finally, it is important to understand what not to automate and identify activities that may be less effort and money consuming when done manually. By avoiding these mistakes and implementing the right approach, organizations can create a powerful and effective testing infrastructure that provides fast and accurate feedback on the quality of their software.