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Automated testing involves employing software tools and scripts to execute tests automatically, ensuring the accurate functioning of the application being tested. This approach offers several advantages, such as minimising the time and effort needed for manual testing, enhancing precision and consistency, and identifying defects and problems at an early stage in the development process.
It offers numerous advantages over manual testing, enabling the QA team to swiftly identify issues and reduce testing time associated with repetitive processes. This approach not only ensures consistent testing but also allows for rapid execution of a significant number of tests, freeing up the QA team to concentrate on integration testing and expanding test coverage. Additionally, automated test scripts can be reused across multiple iterations of a software application, resulting in time and effort savings in the long term.
While automated testing in QA can provide several advantages, it is crucial to carefully consider the costs and challenges related to this approach before implementing it as a testing strategy.
Types of Automation in QA
There are various types of automation in Quality Assurance (QA), including:
- Functional Test Automation - Automating functional testing involves automating the process of testing software applications to verify if they perform their intended functions accurately.
- Regression Test Automation - This type of testing involves automating the process of testing software applications to ensure that any new changes or enhancements do not affect the existing functionalities. This type of automation helps in maintaining the stability and reliability of the software.
- Performance Test Automation - This testing entails assessing the performance of software applications under varying loads and levels of stress. Performance Test Automation is carried out to automate the testing of the application's response time, throughput, and resource utilisation under diverse scenarios.
- Security Test Automation - This type of testing focuses on automating the process of assessing the security features of software applications. Security Test Automation involves automating the testing of various aspects such as authentication, authorisation, encryption, and other security measures implemented in the application.
- User Interface Test Automation - It encompasses automating the process of testing the graphical user interface (GUI) of an application to verify its compliance with user requirements.
- Mobile Test Automation - It involves automating the process of testing mobile applications for their functionality, performance, and security on mobile devices. Mobile Test Automation is performed to streamline and automate the testing of mobile applications on various platforms and devices.
- API Test Automation - It focuses on automating the process of testing the Application Programming Interface (API) of software applications. API Test Automation aims to automate the testing of the application's backend functionality and verify its compliance with user requirements.
Best Practices for Automation in QA
Answering the question "What is the best practice for automation in QA?" does not have a definitive answer since the approach to automated testing depends on specific needs and urgency. Automating all tests is impractical, if not impossible. Nonetheless, we can provide some recommendations to enhance your automated testing strategy:
Planning automated testing early
Automated testing necessitates acquiring resources such as machines and software, which may become a bottleneck due to the time and resource allocation it requires. Consequently, it is recommended to plan ahead to avoid complications that may result from exceeding your costs and schedules.
Test cases that are ideal for automation are those that are repetitive, time-consuming, and involve a significant amount of manual effort, as well as tasks that are susceptible to human error. It is essential to meticulously identify the appropriate test cases for automation.
Selecting the appropriate automation test approach and tools
Numerous automation tools are available in the market. It is crucial to choose the appropriate approach and then select a suitable automation tool for developing an automation test case that is robust and maintainable. It is also essential to have a well-defined process for the roll-out of test automation. Do not be easily swayed by the "best" automation testing tool in the industry. We highly recommend using the most robust tools that are adaptable to most, if not all, languages, platforms, and operating systems.
Establishing the automation test environment
Thoroughly assess the testing environment and procure the necessary automation tools for the automation test. While testing development can be unpredictable, establishing a stable and reliable testing environment is vital for the successful execution of automated tests.
Moreover, adopting continuous integration (CI) and continuous delivery (CD) practices can greatly benefit the automation process. CI and CD facilitate the automation of the build and deployment process, ensuring rapid and efficient testing and deployment of code.
Designing the automation test
Once the automation strategy, tool, and environment are finalised, the next step is to design the test scripts. It is crucial to work in parallel with software development to keep up with any application changes. The QA team should collaborate closely with the development team to design the automation test and ensure that the automation framework integrates seamlessly with the development and deployment pipelines.
Testing early and frequently
Perform tests as frequently as necessary to promptly identify and report bugs as they arise. This practice enables the QA team to take immediate action, saving valuable time and resources that would otherwise be required to address these issues in later stages of development or even in production.
Regularly conducting reviews
Regular review of the automated test results is crucial to identify patterns, trends, and areas for improvement. Analysing the test outcomes can help in expanding the test coverage and validating the reports and documentation from previous runs. It is essential to report the test results regularly to the stakeholders to keep them updated on the project's status. This helps in maintaining transparency and communication within the team and ensures that everyone is on the same page.
Challenges of Automation in QA
In today's agile software development environments, an efficient test automation system is crucial. Automation is particularly effective for smoke and regression tests, enabling QA teams to create and execute complex test cases easily. It also empowers developers to conduct more frequent tests on their software, resulting in quicker feedback and early detection of bugs and issues.
However, there are also challenges associated with test automation. One challenge is the high initial investment required in terms of time, money, and resources, which can be especially difficult for small and medium-sized businesses with limited budgets.
Another common challenge is network disconnection, which can hinder access to databases, VPNs, third-party services, APIs, and specific testing environments. Unstable network connections can lead to delays and disrupt the testing process.
Lack of coding skills can pose problems for QA teams when working with test scripts. To address this, teams can leverage reusability and treat test code as production code to maintain their scripts more effectively.
Maintenance of automation scripts is an ongoing process. Regular updates are necessary to ensure their effectiveness and relevance. However, this can be challenging if the team lacks the required technical expertise and resources.
Resistance to automation implementation can arise from team members who fear job loss or changes to their work processes. Overcoming this resistance requires a shift in mindset and culture within the organisation.
The Future of Automation in QA
The future of automation testing appears promising as an increasing number of companies recognise its importance. However, many businesses have yet to adopt this technology, resulting in /longer periods of issue detection and resolution, which can erode customer trust.
Moreover, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies are expected to play a more significant role in the future of QA automation. These advanced technologies can aid in test case generation, pattern identification, and defect prediction.
To tackle future challenges, it is crucial for QA teams to stay updated with these emerging trends and advancements. This will ensure they remain well-prepared and equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of automation testing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, automation plays a vital role in quality assurance (QA) by offering numerous benefits. It helps reduce manual effort, improves accuracy and consistency, detects defects early in the development process, and enhances test coverage. Automation in QA enables faster identification of issues, reduces testing time for repetitive tasks, and enhances the overall efficiency of the testing process.
However, it is important to consider the costs, challenges, and proper planning associated with automation before implementing an automated testing strategy. Selecting the right automation tools, designing effective test cases, and establishing a stable testing environment are crucial steps in achieving successful automation. Regular reviews and staying up-to-date with emerging trends, such as the integration of AI and ML technologies, are also essential for future-proofing QA automation practices.
By leveraging the power of automation, QA teams can significantly improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their testing efforts, leading to higher quality software products and enhanced customer satisfaction.
Should you wish to improve efficiency and deliver high-quality software products to your customers/clients, our QA teams at 42 Interactive have the knowledge and experience to help you with your SDLC process. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.