Defining Test Automation
The automation of test-related activities is a straightforward definition that we could use to describe test automation. It would be simple and fast, but it wouldn’t be enough. A definition of this kind would be overly simplistic unless we first define automation in and of itself. Then, what exactly is automation? The process of carrying out activities without the participation of a human being is what we mean when we talk about automation. The justification for doing so is to achieve levels of speed and efficiency that are significantly higher than those that can be achieved by humans. Additionally, you should apply automation in the majority of cases to work that is repetitive. As a result of this, they are highly susceptible to human error when they are carried out by people.
Okay, I’ll admit that your definition of automation is adequate. In light of that definition, let’s now try to rephrase our first definition of test automation, which was insufficient: Automated testing, also known as test automation, refers to the process of conducting software testing activities with minimal or no involvement from a human tester in order to achieve greater levels of both speed and efficiency. It is important that you keep in mind, when formulating a plan for test automation, that the part of the testing process that is typically automated is the actual execution of the tests. You have to first create your test cases using some process before you can actually put them through their paces in an execution. It’s possible that this will require coding. Alternatively, it could mean carrying out a task while utilising a window and recording the process. The concept of test automation covers a lot of ground. You have access to a wide variety of strategies as well as—you guessed it—tools to assist you in achieving your goals. When we talk about tools, we’ll get to the subject of the following section, which is all about those tools.
Defining Test Automation Tool
Since we have already defined “automation” and then “test automation,” it does not appear that defining “test automation tool” will present us with a great deal of difficulty. Here it goes: A piece of software known as a test automation tool is a programme that gives users the ability to define software testing tasks and then executes those tasks with as little involvement from a human being as is practically possible. Again, it is essential to have a solid understanding that there are a great number of distinct kinds of testing automation tools that can be utilised. It’s possible that they differ in the kinds of applications (web, desktop, mobile) that they test, in the manner in which the test cases are set up (by writing code in a scripting language, writing code in a full programming language, or recording steps performed using a GUI), in the licences they offer (free, freemium, commercial), and in many other ways.
Which testing automation technologies are the most effective? (Top 7)
- Katalon
Katalon is a free-licensed, cross-browser tool that enables running automation testing for application programming interfaces (APIs), web interfaces, and mobile (Android and iOS) platforms. The tool was introduced in 2015. In addition to those features, this tool also records tests and generates analysis reports. The automation frameworks Selenium and Appium have been utilised in the development of the Katalon test automation tool. The platform stands out due to the fact that it can create and reuse UI test scripts without the need for any code, which is one of its many useful features. It is also very simple to use. In addition, it is simple to deploy, and it is compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux. Katalon provides users with two different scripting interfaces to accommodate their varying levels of programming expertise. This makes it possible for users with no prior coding experience to use a simpler interface. This platform runs on Groovy, which is a scripting language for Java, and it enables scripting with syntax, debugging, and further provides code suggestions. Those who are able to code can take advantage of this platform. In addition, Katalon is capable of performing remote as well as local testing, and it supports both parallel and sequential executions.
- Selenium
Selenium is a widely used automation testing framework that is open-source (it was released under the Apache License 2.0). Selenium is a tool for testing web applications that was initially developed in 2004 by Jason Hugging and continues to be a well-known and widely used tool. It is compatible with a wide range of web browsers and operating systems, including macOS, Windows, and Linux, and it enables users to write tests in a many and variety of programming languages, including Python, Java, C#, Scala, Groovy, Ruby, Perl, and PHP. Selenium is frequently utilised for various types of regression testing. It provides testers with a playback tool that enables them to record and playback regression tests on their own devices. In point of fact, Selenium is not a singular tool but rather a collection of software that comprises a number of different tools (or components), including the following:
- Selenium IDE (Integrated Development Environment)
- Selenium WebDriver
- Selenium client API
- Selenium Remote Control
- Selenium Grid
- LambdaTest
LambdaTest is an automation testing tool that runs in the cloud and can be used for desktop and mobile applications. More than 2,000 different operating systems, browsers, and devices can be tested using this tool, which enables both manual and automated cross-browser testing. Testers are given the ability to record real-time browser compatibility testing with LambdaTest. In addition to that, it enables screen recording as well as automated screenshot testing on multiple permutations simultaneously. In addition, integration with a variety of CI/CD tools, including Jenkins, Circle CI, Travis CI, and others, is available through LambdaTest.
- Ranorex
Ranorex is an automation testing tool that can be used for desktop, mobile, and web applications. This tool offers a number of advantages, including the capability to create tests without using any code, to record and replay testing phases, and to reuse test scripts. As we can see, it is a comprehensive tool that is appropriate for use by both novices (Ranorex offers a codeless interface), as well as professionals who, for example, work with open APIs and have a full integrated development environment (IDE). In addition, Ranorex is capable of integrating a number of different tools, including Git, Jenkins, TestRail, and Bamboo. The dynamic IDs that Ranorex provides allow for reliable object identification. In addition to that, it features a shareable object repository, which can help save a significant amount of time for testers. The fact that Ranorex provides video reporting of test execution is yet another significant advantage it offers. Because of this feature, testers are able to track everything that took place without having to restart the tests.
- Appium
Appium is a framework for test automation that is available under an open-source licence. For the purpose of writing tests, this framework offers support for a wide variety of programming languages, such as Python, Java, PHP, and JavaScript, and it is able to integrate CI/CD tools (e.g., Jenkins). This framework’s primary use is in the development of mobile applications (on both the iOS and Android platforms), but it also has the capability of automating native and hybrid applications. In addition, Appium utilises a client-server architecture in its design. The ability to test apps on multiple platforms and reuse existing code are two of the primary benefits that come with using Appium. In addition, Testers are able to record gestures as code thanks to the recording feature that is provided by Appium Desktop.
- Eggplant
Eggplant is a testing tool that was developed by TestPlant to give testers the opportunity to carry out various kinds of testing. Eggplant, much like Selenium, is not a single tool but rather a suite of tools for automation testing. Each tool in the suite performs a different kind of testing, similar to how Selenium does. Eggplant performance, in this sense, is used for performance, stress testing, and load, while on the other hand, eggplant performance is used for performance. On the other hand, the functional testing tool is hyper-focused on exactly what its name suggests it should be testing for. The fact that it enables testers to interact with applications in the same way that end users will is undoubtedly one of its most valuable features. Additionally, the Digital Automation Intelligence offered by Eggplant is primarily employed for application testing in addition to graphical user interface (GUI) testing. In contrast to the vast majority of automation testing tools, which typically operate using an object-based approach, this suite tool takes an image-based approach to testing software. Additionally, it is possible to use a single script to carry out testing on multiple operating systems when working with Eggplant. These operating systems include Windows, macOS, Linux, and others.
- Kobiton
Kobiton is a platform that runs in the cloud and is capable of performing both manual and automated testing of mobile and web applications. Its AI-driven scriptless approach can automate performance testing, as well as testing for visual and user experience (UX), functional testing, and compatibility testing. In addition to this, Kobiton provides automated crash detection, which guarantees the highest possible level of quality. Kobiton also supports Selenium WebDriver, Katalon Studio, and Appium, and it integrates with Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment platforms such as GitHub, TeamCity, and others. This tool is notable for the rapid pace at which it tests mobile applications; consequently, it is an excellent tool for maintaining a pace comparable to that of DevOps. Additional features include the capability to record videos and capture the interactions and screenshots of users, as well as the capability to capture the user’s screen.
Automation Testing Tools: Final Thoughts
There is no piece of software in the real world that is 100% free of errors or problems. The most effective strategy is to perform exhaustive testing of the software and then correct any bugs that are discovered. To successfully complete this task, you will require the assistance of an experienced, specialised, and thoroughly screened software quality assurance testing team. In addition to the list of tools that are discussed in this blog post, there is a vast array of other software that is designed for various kinds of testing. There are tools for automation that are open source in some of them, while others require a licence to use. However, the selection of testing automation tools is entirely dependant on the business requirement, but they all work toward the same goal: producing high-quality software as quickly as possible.
References
T. (2022, June 9). Test Automation Tool: Definition and 5 Best Ones. AI-driven E2E Automation With Code-like Flexibility for Your Most Resilient Tests. Retrieved January 6, 2023, from https://www.testim.io/blog/what-is-a-test-automation-tool/
Top 7 Automation Testing Tools (2021). (2021, April 8). Blog | Imaginary Cloud. Retrieved January 6, 2023, from https://www.imaginarycloud.com/blog/top-automation-testing-tools/
Singh, S. (2022, October 18). Top 10 Automation Testing Tools in 2023. Insights – Web and Mobile Development Services and Solutions. Retrieved January 6, 2023, from https://www.netsolutions.com/insights/top-10-automation-testing-tools/
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