Automated Software Testing - A Complete Guide

Moving to a more digitally focused era, the importance of software is rapidly increasing. Software tools are crucial for upgrading life standards, enhancing business prospects, and making a smart world. The smooth and fail-proof functioning of the software is very critical, as a large number of people are dependent on them. Around 65% of companies focus on making QA and testing a smarter process, as per the 2021 World Quality Report. This data shows organizations' increasing emphasis on software testing, making it an essential process in the software development life cycle (SDLC).

In the present world, testing is very advanced and complicated. Critical functions in SDLC, including development, testing, and delivery, are performed by individual teams. This has created many inefficiencies and slowed down the entire process. Performing manual testing in some types of testing, like regression testing, is a wasteful practice, as testers must keep doing the same thing repeatedly. Some development cycles will also require the execution of the same test suite. Thus, automating the testing process will help the testers execute the tests faster and more effectively. There is an emerging need for test automation in the growing testing teams of software organizations to reduce the workload of the testing team and provide clear and accurate results.

In this blog, we will talk more about software test automation and its impact on the present software testing space.

What is Software Test Automation?

Automated software testing is the method of automatically reviewing and validating software products, such as web and mobile applications. This process ensures that they meet all predefined quality standards for code style, functionality, and user experience. Test automation replaces manual human activity with systems. Even though tests, like regression or functional testing, can be done manually, automating the process will reduce the time taken to perform the tests. Moreover, it takes less time to perform exploratory tests and more time to maintain test scripts, thus, increasing the overall test coverage.

Automated software testing is widely used in application development to help accelerate the launch of apps/software or new features for existing software tools. It is mainly used to assist the testing process done for software tools/apps developed by organizations, including functional and load/stress testing, and provides consistent results and data points. Testing experts use test automation tools to create scripts and test cases, and these scripts/test cases can be reused. Therefore, the primary features of test automation can help organizations eliminate human errors, reduce the total time taken for software development, and automate repetitive tasks.

With the focus on helping enterprises to optimize their testing procedures, HeadSpin offers test automation with unique testing capabilities, including functional, performance, and load testing across applications, devices, and networks for mobile, web, IoT, and 5G.

What is The Purpose of Automation Testing?

Automation testing serves several important purposes in the software development lifecycle. Let's explore some key reasons why organizations embrace automation testing:

1. Increased Test Coverage: Automation testing enables a broader scope of test coverage. Organizations can leverage a test automation platform and use it to design test scripts to cover various scenarios and test cases, ensuring thorough validation of software functionality. With automated tests, organizations can achieve higher levels of test coverage, resulting in improved software reliability.

2. Consistency and Reusability: Automation testing ensures consistent test execution by removing the element of human error. Using test automation platform to automate testing, you can reuse test scripts across multiple test cycles and different software versions. This reusability not only saves time but also promotes consistency in testing, enabling accurate comparison of results over time.

3. Early Detection of Defects: Automation testing enables early detection issues. By running automated tests at different stages, such as during integration or regression testing, potential bugs can be identified and addressed promptly. Early defect detection helps in reducing the costs.

What Kinds of Tests Should be Automated?

While testing an application/software, testers cannot automate all processes involved in the testing cycle. Some tests need human supervision and involvement to get better results. Using test automation platforms to automate testing is not an alternative to manual testing but helps and supports the entire testing team by reducing the workload.

In order to determine whether a test is suitable for automation, testers can check if it fits the following criteria:

• The tests should be highly repetitive and take a long period of time to perform if it is done manually
• The testing path must be predictable, as it has been verified earlier through manual testing
• The tests that involve the testing of frequently used features that introduce high-risk conditions
• The tests that require multiple datasets and run on several different hardware or software platforms and configurations
• Tests that are not possible for human manual testing, e.g., thousands of concurrent users trying to log in at the same time

If a test meets all these criteria mentioned above, you can consider leveraging test automation platforms for automation.

Various Types of Automated Software Testing

1. Unit Testing

The testing of each unit of the software application is known as unit testing. As it is the first level of testing, you can use test automation platforms to automate it. This type of testing is used to validate unit components with their performance. Primarily, unit testing is performed during the development phase.

2. Smoke Testing

Smoke testing is usually done on a build software received from the development team. The focus of the smoke tests is to check whether the build software is stable or not. If the software passes this test, then testers can proceed with further testing.

3. Integration Testing

Integration testing is the testing process that is performed after unit testing. This test ensures that units or individual components of the software are tested in a group and work well as a whole. This test is used to detect defects at the time of interaction between integrated components or units.

4. Regression Testing

Regression testing is both functional and non-functional type of testing. It verifies the code changes that do not impact the software's existing functionality. This testing ensures that the software works fine with new functionality, bug fixes, or code changes in the existing feature.?

With HeadSpin’s test automation platform, testing teams can perform regression automation testing for their apps/websites. HeadSpin's Regression Intelligence is a powerful comparison tool for analyzing degradation across new app builds, OS releases, feature additions, locations, and more. Using the test automation platform, testers can also compare build over build, location over location, network over network, and device over device performance of their apps/websites.

5. API Testing

The application programming interface (API) is the connection between all the other systems that software needs to function. This testing verifies all APIs. API testing is mainly used to test the programming interfaces' functionality, reliability, performance, and security.

While executing API testing with the HeadSpin Platform, the API usage monitoring feature will help testers keep track of how their APIs are being used by applications or track the impact of 3rd party APIs on application performance.

6. Security Testing

Security testing is also functional and non-functional in nature. It detects the weaknesses and threats in the software. This testing can block the attacks from hackers and ensure the security of the software.

7. Performance Testing

Performance testing records the system performance of the software in terms of responsiveness and stability under a specific workload. The main parameters checked under this testing include the software's speed, robustness, and reliability.

8. Acceptance Testing

Acceptance testing is used to check how end users will respond to the final software product. Usually, this is the last type of testing used before a software/application is released.?

9. UI Testing

UI testing checks and verifies visual elements of apps/web pages to validate proper functionality and expected performance. This testing is done after the complete development of the application/software.?

With global device infrastructure and quality of experience (QoE) insights, HeadSpin enables organizations to deliver flawless UI experiences. Organizations can use the HeadSpin Platform to perform UI testing on real devices and record test sessions. This feature will give them real-time insights into the performance of their applications.

Automated Software Testing Tools

In software development, ensuring the quality and reliability of software through testing is a crucial step. Automated testing tools have become indispensable in achieving this goal efficiently. These tools speed up the testing process and enhance its accuracy. Below, we introduce a selection of prominent automated software testing tools, each with its unique features and capabilities:

• Selenium - A staple in the automated testing tool arsenal, Selenium supports multiple languages and browsers, focusing on web application testing. It allows for creating complex test scripts that can mimic a wide range of user actions.
• TestComplete - Offering a comprehensive testing solution, TestComplete supports desktop, mobile, and web applications. It's known for its robust record and playback feature, making it accessible to testers without extensive scripting knowledge.
• JUnit - A fixture in the Java ecosystem, JUnit facilitates unit testing with simplicity and ease of use. Its annotations and assertions make it a go-to for developers looking to implement test-driven development (TDD).
• Cypress - A modern web testing tool designed to work exclusively with web applications. Cypress offers a unique testing experience by running tests in the same run-loop as the application, leading to faster and more reliable tests.
• Appium - Focused on mobile application testing, Appium supports automation on iOS and Android platforms. It works well for applications written in any framework, making it a versatile choice for mobile testing.
• Robot Framework - An open-source, keyword-driven test automation framework, Robot Framework is designed for acceptance testing and acceptance test-driven development (ATDD). It's easy to use for those new to automated testing while still powerful enough for complex test scenarios.
• Postman - While primarily known as an API development tool, Postman also offers automated testing capabilities for RESTful APIs. Its user-friendly interface allows for easy creation, management, and execution of API tests.
• WebDriverIO - A JavaScript-based testing utility, WebDriverIO is designed for front-end testing, making it an excellent choice for testing web applications. It integrates seamlessly with modern web development tools and supports BDD/TDD.
• QTP/UFT (Unified Functional Testing) - Developed by Micro Focus, UFT is a widely used tool for functional and regression testing, offering a rich set of features for GUI testing. It supports a wide range of applications, making it ideal for enterprises.
• Cucumber - Emphasizing behavior-driven development (BDD), Cucumber allows for the specification of application behavior in plain language. This makes tests easy to read and understand, bridging the gap between business stakeholders and the technical team.

Each tool brings its strengths, catering to different aspects of software testing. Whether you're looking for a tool specializing in web, mobile, API, or unit testing, there's a solution to meet your needs. The key is to evaluate these tools based on your requirements, including the types of applications you're testing, your team's expertise, and your project's budget.

Tool NameSupported PlatformsTest TypeProgramming Languages SupportedKey FeaturesSeleniumWebFunctional, RegressionJava, C#, Python, Ruby, JavaScriptCross-browser testing, multiple language supportTestCompleteDesktop, Web, MobileFunctional, UIJavaScript, Python, VBScript, DelphiRecord and playback, data-driven testingJUnitAny (Java-based)UnitJavaAnnotations, assertions, test runnersCypressWebEnd-to-End, Integration, UnitJavaScriptReal-time reloads, automatic waiting, network traffic controlAppiumMobileFunctional, UIJava, Python, Ruby, JavaScript, C#Cross-platform testing, no need to modify apps for automationRobot FrameworkWeb, Mobile, DesktopAcceptance testing, ATDDPython (primary), Java (via Jython), .NET (via IronPython)Keyword-driven, extensible by librariesPostmanAPIAPI testingJavaScriptEasy-to-use interface, comprehensive API testing featuresWebDriverIOWebFunctional, UIJavaScriptIntegrates with modern web dev tools, supports BDD/TDDQTP/UFTDesktop, Web, MobileFunctional, RegressionVBScriptRich set of features for GUI testing, supports keyword and scriptingCucumberWeb, Mobile, DesktopBDDRuby (primary), Java, JavaScript, PHPHuman-readable language for specifying features, supports BDD

Different Types of Test Automation Frameworks

In the test automation process, testing frameworks play a crucial role. These frameworks include guidelines for testers/developers in coding standards, repository management, and handling of test data. The main focus of these frameworks is to reduce maintenance costs and testing efforts and achieve a high return on investment for the testing teams.

Let's look at the different types of automated software testing frameworks that many organizations use to achieve a good testing environment.

1. Linear Automation Framework

The linear test automation framework guides testers to create functions without writing codes, and the steps in this framework are given in sequential order. While testing with this framework, testers record every step and play the script back automatically to repeat the test.?

2. Modular-based Testing Framework

In the modular-based testing framework, testers need to divide the application/software under test into separate units or sections. These separate units or sections are tested in isolation. Individual test scripts are created for each part, and after testing, all parts are combined to build larger tests that represent various test cases. The most important step in this framework is creating an abstraction layer, which avoids changes in individual sections affecting the overarching module.

3. Data-driven Framework

In the data-driven framework, the test data are separated from script logic, and testers can store all the data externally. With this framework, whenever testers need to test application/software multiple times with different data sets, they can use the data stored in external data sources. The main external data sources used in this framework are Excel Spreadsheets, Text Files, CSV files, SQL Tables, or ODBC repositories.

4. Keyword-driven Framework

While using the keyword-driven framework for automated testing, all functions of the application/software undergoing the test are written out in the table with specific instructions in the order of the test that needs to be performed. In this framework also, test data are separated from script logic. Keywords are also stored in the external data table. These keywords represent the various actions that are being performed to test the GUI of an application. This framework requires a shared object repository to navigate the objects to their associated actions.

5. Hybrid Testing Framework

The hybrid framework is a combination of the already mentioned frameworks. This type of framework is used to leverage some frameworks' advantages and mitigate others' weaknesses.

Major Benefits of Software Test Automation Platform Tools For Enterprises

By automating the testing process, enterprises can leverage many benefits that will help them to develop software faster and more efficiently. Let’s check some of the important benefits of using test automation tools for software/app development:

1. Enables Reuse of Tests

Testing is a fundamental step involved in the software development life cycle. Mostly, this process is very complicated, as a lot of manual coding and testing are involved. With the help of test automation tools, test scripts developed by QA experts can be reused for all repetitive tasks. Generally, automated scripting techniques are used so that the same use case can be used in different test procedures with little or no modification. Moreover, testers can constantly re-test their applications during the development process, making the release process more efficient.

2. Simulates the Real Situation

With test automation tools, testers can perform tests that cannot be performed by manual testing, such as testing the load of the system with thousands of concurrent users at the same time.

3. Improves Scalability

With test automation tools, organizations can increase the scale at which their testing teams operate, as these tools can run tests 24 hours a day.?

4. Makes Regression Testing More Convenient

To perform regression testing, all functional modules of the system must be tested. The regression testing with a long cycle has a large workload and frequent testing, which is suitable for automated testing. Test scripts and use cases are designed to get expected results in automated testing. The automation of regression testing can greatly improve efficiency and shorten the regression time.

5. Reduces Delivery Time

Replacing repetitive and time-consuming manual testing with test automation can shorten software development cycles, as automation tools can work faster than humans. It will also enable developers to reduce the time between integrating and releasing a new feature.?

6. Saves Time and Money

Generally, testing is a time-consuming process. Test automation can help testers/developers speed up certain phases of testing. In the long run, companies can achieve cost-effectiveness with test automation.

Owing to the core benefits mentioned above, many organizations, including startups and multinational companies, have prioritized test automation in their digital maturity strategy. With test automation tools, enterprises can streamline their testing procedures to achieve the maximum return on investment.?

Conclusion

Test automation is a crucial component of application development. By eliminating the mundane tasks of testers and reducing the time and cost required for developers, test automation has transformed the software industry. Manual testing is still a crucial component of the testing process; testing teams can save time, money, and resources by using test automation tools in the different stages of testing. With test automation in the development and testing cycle, testers/developers can generate a more positive and efficient feedback cycle, better test coverage, etc., which will help organizations to get their products in the market on time and under budget. With the help of test automation, testers can unlock the full potential of the DevOps process. This will help testers reduce bottlenecks and increase the efficiency of the software development life cycle.

The unique benefits that HeadSpin offers to businesses shifting to automated software testing for an effective testing process include:

• Detects root causes of issues, such as hung and slow methods and third-party SDK bloat
• Compares performance across various devices or OS to understand cross-device/OS compatibility and performance
• Creates custom KPIs and evaluates these KPIs across various factors with HeadSpin’s data science capabilities
• Executes tests on real devices deployed in 90+ locations with HeadSpin’s global device infrastructure
• Provides test scenarios involving 3rd party services/applications to replicate real-world scenarios

Through the HeadSpin Platform, organizations can test, track, and collect insights into the performance of their apps/websites to enhance and shorten their testing and development cycles

Original Source: https://www.headspin.io/blog/what-is-test-automation-a-comprehensive-guide-on-automated-testing