AUTOMATION TESTING
What is automation testing?
Automation testing is the process of testing software and other tech products to ensure it meets strict requirements. Essentially, it’s a test to double-check that the equipment or software does exactly what it was designed to do. It tests for bugs, defects, and any other issues that can arise with product development.
Although some types of testing, such as regression or functional testing can be done manually, there are greater benefits of doing it automatically. Automation testing can be run at any time of the day. It uses scripted sequences to examine the software. It then reports on what’s been found, and this information can be compared with earlier test runs. Automation developers generally write in the following programming languages: C#, JavaScript, and Ruby.
Many software businesses will have an appointed QA (quality assurance) automation tester. They design and write the test scripts in the beginning stages. The QA automation tester will work with automation test engineers and product developers to actually test the software and products. They will form a team and control the test automation initiatives, and use different types of test automation frameworks to establish the best one for successful test automation.
Those in the technology sector will be familiar with testing. That is, creating and developing a product or piece of software, and frequently putting it through its paces until you get it right.
It’s part of the product development cycle and is vitally important for ensuring your product is as good as you want it to be.
Nowadays, testing has become more sophisticated and more advanced. We have started to utilize automation testing to help ease the workload of the rest of the team and provide clear and accurate results.
Here, we’ll delve further into automation testing, including what it is, and how to start using it in your business.
Why is automation needed?
Some teams simply don’t have the time or resources to be manually testing software. Automation can help with this. It can significantly reduce the time it takes to test products because it runs quickly and efficiently. This puts time back into the hands of developers and production managers, who can divert their efforts into other aspects of the project. It can greatly boost productivity as a result.
Using automation technology also means that testing can be done more frequently, improving overall functionality. Software development cycles call for repeated testing, often the same test over and over again. Automation testing makes this possible, without taking team members away from other work. It can also deliver more accurate and reliable results than manual testing alone. Further ensuring that the product is ready for market or to move onto the next stage of development. This validation gives the team a boost to continue developing.
Most importantly, automation benefits product development. That’s because when software, an app, or another product can be designed and produced more efficiently, it makes way for continuous development once it's been launched. Essentially, the business will be able to work on more software and products, even with the same amount of team members, thanks to automation. Not only does this mean they perfect the final products they put out, but it also means they are creating new software all the time.
What are the benefits of automation testing?
Software testing has many benefits, which is why SaaS businesses across the globe are utilizing automation technology. Here are some of the biggest benefits of using automation testing for software development:
- Detailed reporting capabilities - Automation testing uses well-crafted test cases for various scenarios. These scripted sequences can be incredibly in-depth, and provide detailed reports that simply wouldn’t be possible when done by a human. Not to mention providing them in a shorter amount of time.
- Improved bug detection - One of the main reasons to test a product is to detect bugs and other defects. Automation testing makes this process an easier one. It’s also able to analyze a wider test coverage than humans may be able to.
How can enterprises utilize automation?
Enterprises should be utilizing automation in order to improve their business processes and operating systems, particularly those in the technology industry. Automation provides valuable tools for businesses to use to their advantage, whether that be for improving product delivery times or to meet increasing security standards.
Once you have established which test you’ll be using, you need to set goals as a benchmark to see how it performs. Without setting goals, it’s going to be difficult for you to utilize the test result to its full potential. Keep focused on this one objective, and don’t be afraid to run separate tests where needs be. Consider what it is you’re trying to achieve, and how this test can help you do that.
Divide your tests into logical, smaller tests. Larger, more complex tests, are more difficult to run. Team members that aren’t writing test code can be moved to other areas of the product development process to better utilize their time. Utilizing automation is all about making testing easier and improving business practices.
- This graph gives us a glimpse into the future, showing how machines may soon be able to complete work previously carried out by humans.
What are the types of automation testing?
There are five key types of automation testing. Each can be used in different circumstances, depending on the application under test. You can analyze each one to see which would be best for you, or you can test them out with a trial. This is sometimes the best way to know which tool you should be using. Here are the main types of automation testing tools:
Code analysis
Code analysis consists of different testing tools, including dynamic analysis and static analysis. You can apply different ones to tackle separate tests. For instance, some look for possible security flaws, while others check for usability. To run these tests, the developer will need to write code. Once this has been done, though, there’s no human interference for the rest of the testing process.
Unit tests
Unit testing is all about checking individual components of the software or product, as you would developing iOS technology for an iPhone or Android for Samsung. This means that each element of the software is fully tested before the finished version is. These tests can be written by developers, but now that automation testing has come into play, there’s no need.