1- What is Automation Testing?
Automation testing is a software testing technique that is utilized to test and compare the actual result with the expected result. This can be accomplished by employing automation testing tools and creating test scripts. Test automation is employed to automate repetitive tasks, regression tests, and other testing activities that are challenging to carry out manually. The objective of automation testing is to execute tests efficiently and in the shortest possible time.
2- Benefits of Automation Testing over manual testing:
- Speed and Efficiency: Automation testing is faster and more efficient than manual testing. It allows for quick execution of tests, reducing the overall testing cycle time for regression, integration, and smoke testing.
- Reduced Defect Rejection: Automation testing helps in reducing the rejection of defect fixes. By automating tests, it ensures consistent and accurate execution, leading to more reliable results and fewer defects escaping into production.
- Improved Test Coverage: Automation testing allows for a wider test coverage by executing a large number of tests and scenarios that may be impractical to perform manually. This ensures comprehensive testing and reduces the risk of undiscovered issues.
- Early and Frequent Feedback: With automation testing, feedback is provided early and frequently throughout the development process. This enables quick identification and resolution of issues, leading to improved software quality.
- End-to-End Product Testing: Automation testing ensures end-to-end testing of the product, covering various components, functionalities, and integration points. It helps in validating the overall product behavior and functionality.
- Reduced Dependency on Resources: Automation testing reduces the dependency on manual resources. Once test scripts are developed, they can be executed repeatedly without the need for continuous manual intervention, thereby reducing the risk associated with human errors.
- Return on Investment (ROI) and Reusability: Automation testing provides a high return on investment by saving time, effort, and resources. Additionally, the test scripts can be reused for future releases or regression testing, further maximizing the benefits of automation.
- Reliability: Automation testing ensures consistent and reliable test results. It eliminates the variability introduced by human testers and ensures that tests are executed in a standardized manner.
- Continuity and Simultaneity: Automation testing allows for simultaneous execution of multiple tests on different configurations or environments, enabling faster feedback and parallel testing, which leads to faster development cycles.
In summary, automation testing offers numerous advantages such as speed, efficiency, improved test coverage, reliability, and reduced dependency on resources, ultimately leading to better software quality and faster time-to-market.