SIGNIFICANCE OF CLEAN CODE IN AUTOMATION TESTING EFFORTS

Being an Automation tester, you know that clean code has a pivotal role in your testing efforts. But do you know that clean code can make an excellent difference in your testing quality?

Sorting out a clean code can be messy as you have to dive into someone’s code too often that it eventually leads you into a predicament where you find yourself muttering words like "What," "Why," and "No" in frustration.

The mindset of thinking a clean code is a post process is a “root cause.” It’s a painful process if done later – it is something like performing surgery on a patient without giving him/her anesthesia. But the thing is how can we start creating a clean code without doing it later? Well! the question arises: How can we initiate the development of clean code from the outset? Indeed, it's possible, but it's important to understand what actually clean code is.

WHAT IS A CLEAN CODE?

Clean code is writing code that is easy to read, understand, and maintain. It is important because it simplifies collaboration, reduces errors, and streamlines future modifications. Clean code is achieved through clear naming conventions, organized structure, and consistent formatting

It is something that is understandable for yourself and the other testers too that what your code is actually doing. In this case, there can be fewer bugs in the test, and the good thing is that you can easily debug the test in case anything goes wrong.

3 FACTORS TO CONSIDER FOR A CLEAN CODE

Let's break down and delve into the three factors that define “clean code.”

1. Clarity: Ensure it's easy to read and understand. This involves comprehending execution flow, object collaboration, class roles, method purposes, and variable meanings.
2. Changeability: Make it easy to modify, extend, and debug. Achieve this through small, focused classes and methods, clear public APIs, predictability, and robust testing.
3. Testability: The code should be easily testable with understandable and adaptable tests.So, what now?

To write clean code, developers should follow best practices such as using clear and consistent names for variables and functions, creating small, documenting code with concise comments, reducing code duplication, and reusable functions, and upholding consistent formatting and indentation.

But What About Benefits for Automation Testers?

Writing clean code offers numerous advantages for automation testers. Here are some key benefits:

Here are some examples illustrating how clean code principles can be applied in the domain of software testing:

1. Employing Descriptive Variable Names: When crafting test scripts, employ concise and meaningful variable names that clearly explain the relevant data, such as 'customerAge' or 'orderCost,' rather than employing obscure names like 'x.'
2. Eliminating Redundancy: Avoid performing duplicate test duplication in your testing. For instance, if you've previously tested customer names in a prior examination, refrain from reiterating this step when assessing customer ages.
3. Preserving Readability: Uphold the clarity and sound structure of your test scripts by using suitable indentation, comments, and descriptive variable names.
4. Decomposing Complex Logic: When grappling with intricate scenarios, such as a promotion that solely applies to customers aged 20-29, fragment them into more manageable test cases. For instance, verify that the promotion doesn't extend to customers aged 18, 19, 30, or older.
5. Incorporating Appropriate Comments: Introduce comments within your code as necessary. For example, when populating a test data set with fictitious values, it's imperative to annotate the utilized values within the comments.

By heeding these principles, you can write clean code that streamlines your software testing initiatives, making them more efficient and effective.

Wrapping Up!

Clean code serves as a fundamental asset for automation testers aiming to enhance the quality of their testing endeavors. By adhering to the guidance provided in this blog post, you can commence your journey towards crafting clean code today and subsequently savor the advantages of heightened test quality, accelerated test automation velocity, enhanced collaboration, and diminished maintenance expenditures.

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