To select an automation testing framework, we need to understand few things:
- Analyse the application under test (AUT) and its requirements.
i. The programming language in which the AUT is developed.
It certainly makes sense to script the test cases in the same programming language in which AUT is developed. This will ease the test scripting because most of the team is already aware of the programming language.
ii. Complexity and flow of the application
It is important to understand the complexity and flow of the application to get a better understanding of the functionalities. The broader classification of the functions and areas of testing will be understood. Based on the complexity, the type of framework can be chosen. A keyword-driven framework is good for simple and small projects but for bigger and complex projects it will be troublesome to use a keyword-driven framework.
iii. The platform on which AUT will be run and tested.
It is important to understand on which all platforms the AUT will be run. We cannot test mobile applications on the Selenium framework. So it is wise to first list down all the platforms the AUT will be running on and then select the automation testing framework based on it.
2. Analyse the potential test automation frameworks based on the below features.
i. Framework’s support for the required platform- Mobile, Web, Desktop
While making the decision about the framework, we need to be sure that the framework supports the platform we are looking for.
ii. Existing team members’ knowledge of scripting language/ tool
The existing team members’ knowledge of the framework, tool or scripting language used is also a key point to consider. If they do not have the required knowledge it's important to either train them or get new team members with existing knowledge. These points are important otherwise a lot of considerable time will be lost in knowledge acquisition.
iii. Maintenance of the framework
Not only the creation of the framework is important, but the maintenance also holds equal importance. Otherwise, the whole point of using an automation framework will be lost. Maintenance, enhancement, scalability all these points are to be considered while framework selection.
iv. License cost
Selenium is open-source, is free to use and develop frameworks. However, there are no dedicated technical support or assistance available. While in the case of a licensed tool, we receive proper technical support, customer support and many features which may be missing in the open-source framework. If the project can bear the license cost, and the licensed framework matches the project requirement, then this is also a choice.
v. Technical support and help
As mentioned above, opensource does not have official technical support and help available. However, online help in various communities could be available. Hence if official technical support is a requirement licensed tool should be the choice.
vi. Reporting
In software, testing reporting holds a very important place, because the client and management always make decisions based on reports. If we are writing the scripts for reporting by ourselves, expertise is required. However, the licensed tool has very good customised reporting available and have a higher edge.
To get all the benefits out of test automation, you need to have a right test automation framework in place.
Selecting a wrong one may lead to waste of your time and money.
Since each and every project is unique, the requirements, duration, and tool choice will vary.
That's why your primary goal is to select an automation framework that leads to smarter testing, productivity benefits, and better overall results in your particular project.So what should you consider to make the right choice?Our quality assurance team asks this question each and every time they start working on a new project.
To save our time, we’ve worked out a step-by-step checklist that guides our test automation framework choices.
Now we are sharing it with you.
The software testing services provided by Suma Soft has result-oriented record across the globe.
We have been serving various industry variables across the globe with the latest technologies for 18 years.
In this article, we outline how can small QA teams make the transition from manual to codeless testing to full-fledged automated testing.
For example, a script to import test data into a database, a utility to generate random test data, etc.2 – Know impediments to switching to automated testingOnce you acknowledge as a team that you need to move to automated testing, the next step is to know what is stopping your team from making this move.
For example, think before picking a tool that does not work well with iFrames if your application is using iFrames heavily, or start to build out a test automation framework if your team doesn’t have any automation experience, etc.3 – Start simple and small but make it successfulA good beginning is half the job done.
Don’t go crazy with automation and start with most time taking or complex ones first or you will make your beginning harder and reduce your chances of success.
It will be easier when you choose a combination of tools and frameworks.
Codeless testing tools could cover most of your simple to medium complex manual tests.5 – Learn and practice programmingPick up the programming language that your team is most comfortable with.
