Let's Get Idea About Automation Testing & Identify the Difference Between Manual Testing & Automation Testing

Automation Testing

This is a software testing technique that perform using special automated testing software tools to execute a test case suite. Software test automation demands considerable investments of money and resources. Once the test suite is automated, no human intervention is required.

Why Test Automation

Test automation is the best way to increase the effectiveness, test coverage and execution speed in software testing.

Which Test Cases to Automated

• High risk - Business critical test cases
• Test cases that are repeatedly executed
• Test cases that are very difficult to perform manually
• Test cases which are time-consuming

Automated Testing Process

1. Test Tool Selection
2. Define scope of Automation
3. Planning, Design & Development
4. Test Execution
5. Maintenance

1. Test Tool Selection

• This is depends on the technology the application under test is built on.

2. Define scope of Automation

Following points help determine scope;

• The features that are important for the business
• Technical feasibility
• The complexity of test cases
• Common functionalities across applications
• Scenarios which have a large amount of data

3. Planning, Design & Development

During this phase, create an automated strategy & plan, which contains the following details;

• Automation tools selected
• Framework design and its features
• Schedule and timeline of scripting and execution
• Deliverables of automation testing

4. Test Execution

• Automation Scripts are executed during this phase. Once executed testers provide detailed test reports.
• Execution can be performed using the automation tool directly or through the Test Management tool which will invoke the automation tool.

5. Maintenance

• Maintenance in automation testing is executed when new automation scripts are added and need to be reviewed and maintained in order to improve the effectiveness of automation scripts with each successive release cycle.

Framework for Automation

• Maintaining consistency of Testing
• Improves test structuring
• Minimum usage of code
• Less Maintenance of code
• Improve re-usability
• Non Technical testers can be involved in code

There are four types of frameworks used in automation software testing

1. Data Driven Automation Framework
2. Keyword Driven Automation Framework
3. Modular Automation Framework
4. Hybrid Automation Framework

Automation Tool Best Practices

1. Decide which test suites to automate
2. Use the right testing tool and framework
3. Keep records of tests for analysis
4. Set up a testing environment
5. Use quality test data

Benefits of Automation Testing

• 70% faster than the manual testing
• Wider test coverage of application features
• Reliable in results
• Ensure Consistency
• Saves Time and Cost
• Improves accuracy
• Increases Efficiency
• Better speed in executing tests
• Re-usable test scripts

How to Choose an Automation Tool

• Environment Support
• Ease of use
• Testing of Database
• Object identification
• Image Testing
• Error Recovery Testing
• Object Mapping
• Scripting Language Used
• Support for multiple testing frameworks
• Easy to debug the automation software scripts
• Minimize training cost of selected tools

Identify the Difference Between Manual Testing & Automation Testing

Definition

• In manual testing, the test cases are executed by the human tester.
• In automated testing, the test cases are executed by the software tools.

Processing Time

• Manual testing is time-consuming.
• Automation testing is faster than manual testing.

Resource Requirements

• Manual testing takes up human resources.
• Automation testing takes up automation tools and trained employees.

Programming Knowledge

• There is no need for programming knowledge in manual testing.
• Programming knowledge is a must in case of automation testing as using tools requires trained staff.

Exploratory Testing

• Exploratory testing is possible in manual testing.
• Exploratory testing is not possible in automation testing.

When to use

• Manual testing is usable for Exploratory testing, Usability testing, and Adhoc testing.
• Automated testing is suitable for Regression testing, Load testing, and Performance testing.

In conclusion, both manual testing and automated testing play crucial roles in ensuring software quality . While manual testing excels in exploratory testing and usability testing, automated testing shines in regression , performance , and load testing.