Detailed architecture and types of different test automation frameworks

When a test automation framework is being selected for a particular project by an organization, make sure that it is flexible, in line with the project, technically feasible and also supports a wide range of languages and applications. The team will be able to use the automation framework in a viable and productive manner and thus carry out the testing activities rewardingly. In this article, you will get to know about the different types of test automation frameworks.

What is a test automation framework?

A test automation framework is a set of rules and guidelines used for designing and creating test cases. It consists of a combination of tools and practices that are designed in a way to help QA professionals carry out the testing process effectively.

These guidelines could include information on ways to access external resources, processes for storing test results, object repositories, test-data handling methods or coding standards.?

The following are the different automation frameworks:

1. Modular-based testing framework: The application under test is divided by testers into separate sections, functions or units, each of which will be tested in isolation. When the application has been broken down into individual modules, then for each part, a test script is created and then combined to develop larger tests in a hierarchical fashion. Various test cases will be represented by larger sets of tests. An abstraction layer can be built so that any changes that have been made in individual sections do not affect the overarching module.

2. Data-driven framework: In this framework, the test data is separated from script logic, which means the data can be stored externally by the testers. There may be only a few scenarios where a function or the same feature of an application needs to be tested by the tester multiple times with different sets of data. In these scenarios, the test data does not require to be hard-coded in the script itself.

3. Linear automation framework: The code need not be written by testers to create functions and the steps can be written in sequential order. The tester records each step such as checkpoints, user input or navigation and then the script is played back automatically to conduct the test. This framework is also referred to as the “record-and-playback framework.”

4. Library architecture testing framework: This framework is a little bit similar to the modular framework, but, has some other key functionalities also. Here, the application under test is not broken down into the various scripts that need to be run. Identifying similar tasks within the scripts and then is later grouped by a function, so that the common objectives break down the application. There is a library where the functions are kept and can be called upon by the test scripts as and when required.

5. Keyword-driven framework: In this framework, every function of the application under test is presented in a table with specific instructions in a serial format. There is a consecutive order for each test that should be run. There is an external data table where the keywords are stored, thus making them independent from the test automation tool that is being used for test execution. The various actions are represented by keywords that are part of the script. These various actions are performed to test the application’s GUI.?

The above-mentioned different automation frameworks can play a crucial role in software development and testing activities and hence organizations need to know which of these different automation frameworks works best for their project. ?

Conclusion: If you are looking forward to implementing an automation testing framework for your specific project, then do get connected with a credible software testing services company that will provide you with the right testing strategies that justify your project specific requirements.