Defining Test Automation
Test automation is a software testing technique that utilizes a tool that executes tests automatically as a quality assurance measure. These tests use pre-written scripts that compare the actual results against the expected results.
Not all tests require automation, and in most companies you will find a blended approach where testers perform automatic and manual testing where appropriate in the testing process. Advanced test case management tools make managing both testing approaches more convenient and accurate, as the more advanced tools are able to serve as information hubs that incorporate all the elements of testing into a single platform. When using both automation and manual testing as siloed channels there is a challenge in understanding the overall picture of the product status. Test management tools help prevent project failures that are brought about by erroneous tracking and reporting.
When to use Test Automation
Companies and QA teams are going to benefit more from running automated testing for test cases that meet certain criteria:
- Repeatedly Executed Tests
This involves testing the same test sets and instances multiple times, such as testing across different configurations or languages. While this can be done manually, automating this may save you time and labor. An option under automation is creating a generic test case and then creating different test scenarios for this test case afterward.
- Tests Prone to Human Error
There are tests that are prone to human errors, such as those that have multiple inputs of data entry. When testers mistype data or miss a step, revising the data per test takes time.
Another example is when the same test is executed on different platforms and environments. These environments may have varied workflows and will need the manual tester to accurately transition from one environment to the next. The lack of such precision may result in errors in the project.
- Determinant Output
Tests with determinant output, such as pass/fail tests, can be automated. Automating these types of tests makes the process simpler, faster, and more accurate.
- High-Risk Tests
An error in an app may be high-impacting, resulting in a significant loss of revenue. This is why some QA teams run risk-based testing to identify which points to automate. For example, an exceedingly complex code on a complex architectural design is a high-risk condition. Testing aims to reduce or mitigate risks prior to releasing the app, so it is vital that testers employ the most appropriate testing strategies.
- Complex or Tedious Tests
There are tests that can be too complex or may even be improbable for manual testing, such as a pixel-by-pixel comparison between images.
Automated testing can also simulate hundreds of thousands of users. This allows QA analysts and engineers to accurately test load and performance.
- Time Consuming Tests
Testers will need to execute tests after any modifications in the application. Some teams opt for automated regression testing because this is the more efficient approach.
Benefits of Test Automation
Engineering one’s test automation incurs costs, but because the iteration of producing high-quality software gives the company their ROI, the benefits of properly planned and designed test automation outweigh the costs in the long run:
- Accelerated feedback cycle
Automated testing makes early bug detection possible, thereby accelerating the feedback cycle. The closer testing is to the software development phase, the less rework there will be.
- Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity
Automated testing can complete tests and generate data faster than humans. By replacing manual testing for repetitive tests with automated testing, QA analysts and engineers can spend their time focusing on more complex tasks instead, thereby saving the company time and money.
- Higher Test Coverage
Test automation allows QA analysts and engineers to execute more tests. Test coverage is indicative of how much of the code was covered in those test cases. While achieving more test coverage may potentially delay the launch of your app, this allows testers to identify errors at the earlier stages or even at the code level. It also helps with regression testing. An increased test coverage exposes which test cases to prioritize, which ones to create, and which ones to eliminate. Eliminating the test cases that are not usable will make the code lighter.
- Reusability of Test Suite
Keeping a repository of reusable test suites allows teams to detect common bugs more quickly. This is also ideal for complex test developments, as reusable test suites allow teams to reuse test components that have already been used and tested on a large scale. Reusing tests drives productivity and improves software quality.
- Faster Time to Market
Releasing early and releasing often helps a company maximize ROI. There is, thus, the need to have a faster time to market. The company that is first to release a specific high-quality digital product has better chances of winning the majority of the market share. Testing is a long process, but it is necessary to reduce or mitigate risks as well as make sure that the product is reliable and fully functional. Test automation helps teams achieve a faster time to market in that it helps accelerate software development progress.
Improved Accuracy
Automated testing allows for more reliable codes and more accurate results. Automation reduces the risks of human error and drives error-free releases. The test cases generated by these tools are more precise compared to human testers. This helps ensure the release of high-quality and reliable digital products.
- Reduced Business Expenses
Test automation helps businesses reduce expenses, especially when one looks at it from a long-term perspective. Automating tests allows the QA team to reuse the tests 24/7 without incurring additional costs, whereas manual testing costs increase as time goes by.
Test Automation Tools
In many cases, test automation software has now become a key determinant of the quality and reliability of today’s apps. There is a growing dependency on these systems that help drive speed, efficiency, and accuracy.
QA testers are provided with a good number of options in the market. It’s not about choosing the one with every bell and whistle. What’s critical is that they look at their project and determine what specific needs they want the test automation tool to address. It is also important to look for these key attributes before making a decision:
- Reliability
- Test Data
- Usability and Maintainability
- Reporting and Communication
- Integration
- Portability
- Efficiency
Testing is an important stage in the software development cycle, and investing in tools and techniques that help refine this process further is a wise business decision. Prioritizing such improvements helps optimize efficiency, reduce time to market, and improve app quality.
