Test Automation 2021 Trends

Author: Nibras Muhsin | MBA | Software Test Automation Industry Expert

Automation Testing is also known as Test Automation. It is a software testing method that utilizes extraordinary, robotized testing tools to execute an experiment suite. The automation testing programming can likewise enter test information into the System under Test, think about expected and real outcomes, and create definite test reports. Software Test Automation requests impressive speculations of money and resources.

Automated Testing Frameworks

A testing framework refers to the set of rules used for planning and designing test cases. A framework involves a blend of practices and devices that are intended to help QA (Quality assurance) experts test all the more proficiently. 

These rules could incorporate coding guidelines, test-information dealing with strategies, object storehouses, measures for putting away test outcomes, or data on the most proficient method to get to outer assets.

Types of Automated Testing Frameworks 

There are six regular types of test automation frameworks, each with its own design. You can pick any of the frameworks based on your project specifications, team experience, time constraints, and budget. 

• Linear Automation Framework 

Linear Scripting Framework is a basic level test automation framework that linearly records and replays data. This framework is also referred to as the ‘Record and Playback’ framework. 

This framework is used for testing small-scale applications. In this framework, test scripts are individually developed and executed for each test case. Each test phase of this framework, like browsing, navigation, user inputs, and implementing checkpoints, is documented by testers. The scripts are then run by the testers to carry out the testing.

• Modular Based Testing Framework

This framework is also known as the modularity framework or the module-based framework. In this framework, testers build test scripts module by module by breaking down the entire application under test into smaller, independent samples and generate test scripts individually. The testers also build function libraries to be used as needed. 

The individual test scripts created by the testers can be combined to create larger test scripts by using a master script to achieve the necessary scenarios. 

The main reason for using this framework is to construct an abstraction layer that protects the master module from changes made in individual tests.

• Library Architecture Testing Framework 

Library Architecture Testing Framework, also known as Structured Scripting or Functional Decomposition is a framework for testing library architecture. It is based on a modular platform and has some added benefits.

In this framework, the application under test is divided into modules in the modular testing environment, while here common tasks are defined and grouped into functions. Once the functions have been grouped, they will be stored in a library. These libraries are re-used by the test scripts to generate new test cases.

• Data Driven Framework 

The data-driven test automation architecture optimizes the separation of test script logic and test data. It enables us to build test automation scripts through various test data sets. The test data set is derived from external files or tools such as Microsoft Excel Sheets, Microsoft Access Tables, SQL Databases, XML files, and so on. Using this framework, we were able to easily make the test scripts function for different sets of test data.

As compared to the module-based framework, this framework greatly reduces the number of test scripts. This framework provides more test coverage by reusable tests and versatility in running tests only when needed and by modifying only the input test data.

• Keyword Driven Framework 

In keyword-driven testing, we use a table format to identify keywords or action words for each function or process that we will execute. It is also referred to as table-driven testing or action word-based testing. It runs automation test scripts based on the keywords entered into the excel sheet.

Using this framework, testers can work with keywords to create any test automation script; testers with limited programming skills can also work on the test scripts. The rationale for reading keywords and calling the necessary action from the external excel sheet is put in the main class. Keyword driven testing is similar to Data driven testing. While working on this framework does not require much programming knowledge, only the initial setup (implementing the framework) does.

• Hybrid Test Automation Framework 

It is the most widely used framework which is the best mixture of all techniques. The Hybrid framework utilizes the best of both Keyword Based and Data Driven frameworks. In a Hybrid research environment, experiments are entirely scripted, increasing the automation effort.

Automated Testing Tools 

There are immense heaps of Functional and Regression Testing Tools available. Given below are some of the best automated testing tools guaranteed by the testing experts.

• QMetry

QMetry Automation Studio (QAS) is a leading software automation platform focused on the Eclipse IDE and the open-source frameworks – Selenium and Appium.

QMetry Automation Studio gives automation efforts structure, performance, and reusability. The studio promotes advanced automation techniques through coded automation and helps manual teams to easily transition into automation through scriptless automation methods.

QAS is a portion of the AI-powered QMetry Digital Quality Platform, one of the most comprehensive software quality systems that incorporate test management, test automation, and quality analytics in a single suite.

• Testsigma 

Testsigma is one of the best Automation Testing methods available today, ushering in a new age of smart automation best suited to today’s Agile and DevOps markets. 

Testsigma is an AI-powered test automation tool that uses simple English to automate even complex tests while meeting the needs of continuous delivery. Testsigma offers a test automation environment that includes all of the elements required for continuous testing. It allows you to automate web, mobile, and API services and supports thousands of operating systems, browsers, and devices. 

• Selenium 

It is the most common automation testing method for web application testing. Selenium can run in a number of browsers and operating systems. It operates with a number of programming languages and automation testing frameworks.

Selenium can be used to create powerful browser-centered automation test scripts that are scalable across multiple environments. It can also be used to write scripts that will aid in the rapid replication of bugs, regression testing, and exploratory testing.

Effects of Test Automation on testing life cycle

A Software testing lifecycle (STLC) is implemented to ensure the development of high-quality software. It comprises different phases along with their specific designs, inputs, and outputs. STLC is a time-taking process as each of the programs written to build software is completely tested.

Test automation has many positive effects on the testing life cycle. Some of these are:

• Reduced Cost

A software testing lifecycle requires expert testers to test and validate the software being developed. Hiring several expert testers, paying them handsome remunerations, and setting advanced IT infrastructure for them is highly costly. However, using automated testing requires only relevant automated tools and a few testers to operate them, reducing the business expense involved in the STLC. 

• Enhanced Accuracy 

Using Test automation in the software testing lifecycle produces more accurate results. As compared to automated testing, the chances of errors are more in manual testing. A lot of errors originate in manual testing due to the mistakes made by humans especially in complex scenarios. Therefore, test automation eliminates human error for enhanced accuracy. 

• Reduced Overall Time

Test automation helps to speed up every phase involved in a software testing life cycle. In manual testing, each phase requires a lot of time whereas automated testing performs the functions required in each step with great speed. Test automation provides continuous, efficient, and effective testing and validation of the software which results in the completion of STLC within less time. This helps organizations to release their products into the market faster.