Six Tips For Test Automation

Test automation can improve the speed of development while reducing costs and efforts. In this article, we can learn about automated testing to keep test automation on track and know some key tips for implementing, designing, and maintaining large enterprise applications.

Selecting the right tool for automated testing

Every automated testing project has its specific requirements. The right tool can reduce testing time and increase the efficiency of the testing team. The wrong tool can lead to unnecessary complexity.

We should select tools that support all required devices, browsers, OS versions, mobile platforms, the required level of test automation (UI, API, database testing), test types (functional, load, performance, localization), and identification techniques (native, image, text). The learning curve for delivery automation is expected to be reduced, and different platforms can reuse the same scripts.

In addition, we recommend that the following checklist be completed using the pre-selection tool.

Common requirements

• Does the technical team possess the required skills? Does the flexibility of the framework empower the team to expand?
• Does the test team with rich experience in using the tool?
• Does the tool include communities, resources, user manuals, and documentation?
• How do the tool suppliers respond to new technologies or problems?
• Does it provide detailed reports for automated testing?
• Is it integrated with the CI, issue management, test, and communication tools used in the project?

Specific requirements

• Does the tool allow for the implementation of distributed tests?
• How long does the implementation of the test take?
• Does it offer support for intelligent waiting (built-in or integrated)?
• How does it contribute to simplifying test modifications?
• Does it provide detailed reports for automated testing?
• Does it serve us with the DDT method (e.g., integration with Cucumber)?

Separating codes from data (DDT method)

Many engineers of automated testing tend to store testing data (input, output, validation values) along with the automated code. This approach reloads the codes using multiple duplicate entries when new tests are added. In addition, it adds complexity to the maintenance of testing code, especially when an application under test (AUT) undergoes frequent changes.

Maximizing the amount of data available for API testing

Test automation is usually associated with automated testing via the UI. However, testing via the UI is quite time-consuming. UI testing can only be created in software development projects. In addition, the UI is susceptible to frequent changes (even in the final phase).

We recommend prioritizing API testing in functional testing. The API is available in the early development phase and remains stable. In addition, the API testing can be run in seconds, whereas the GUI testing requires two minutes for implementation.

Applying visualization tests

Modern applications need to run in a variety of different browsers, operating systems, and devices. This can lead to many errors. Using classic test scripts (specific CSS rules, selectors, HTML tags) to test different browsers, operating systems, and devices means that we have a lot of extra work to do.

We prefer to use screenshot tools to eliminate visual inconsistencies. We use screenshots to compare with examples to verify that an accurate screen or object can appear as expected. We emphasize AI-based visual testing tools (Applitools is their most famous representative) as they can distinguish between accepted variants and serious rendering issues and simplify the testing process.

Parallel testing

Automated, comprehensive testing of enterprise applications takes a lot of time as regression testing evolves rapidly. The parallel testing can be performed up to five times faster when we need to reduce testing times. In addition, automated tools of modern testing allow parallel implementation in a single command.

Error reporting in the form of screenshots / videos

When automated testings are executed unattended or in a remote cloud, our understanding of errors can become an issue for testers. Sometimes, even detailed logs are not guaranteed to be updated quickly.

Visualization can make automated testing more accessible. Identifying and detailing problems becomes more manageable when given an errant screen-shot or video.

Conclusion

I hope these practical tips will help you improve test automation's efficiency and productivity. In addition to automated testing, we can adopt professional project development management tools such as Zentao, which can also, in turn, contribute to improving code quality and standardizing the development testing process.