WHAT IS AN AUTOMATED TESTING SERVICE?

Automated testing service refers to the use of automated tools to test cases. In simpler words, it is an advanced version of manual testing. With the rapid growth in technology, companies tend to choose automated testing service as it offers quick, error-less work in less cost. 

TYPES OF TEST AUTOMATION

There are different types of automation tests, and each category applies to unique test cases. Don’t lose yourself on the way, just some fancy words with more superficial meanings. 

 

  1. Unit testing: it is the first stage of web app testing, and it takes place in the development episode. It includes testing of each web app element, and both developers and automated testers can write it. 

 

  1. Smoke Testing: it is the verification phase to ensure that all the vital features are functional. It’s a checkpoint for testers to proceed further. 

 

  1. Functional Testing: it is the correspondence phase-the functionality is as expected. It covers user interface, APIs, database, security, client/server applications, and your website’s overall functionality.

 

  1. Integration Testing: it verifies the data communication between different areas of the web app.  

 

  1. Regression Testing: it ensures that the old feathers are working despite the addition of new changes.

TYPES OF AUTOMATED TOOLS

The greatest obstacle in automated testing is choosing the right automation tool.           With a diverse variety available in the market, it’s crucial to have a checklist before deciding. These tools should be able to recognize objects in every environment and provide detailed test analyses and reports. Moreover, they should be user-friendly and work with every automated test using the scripting language. I’m refraining from mentioning a whole list of the type of tools because it is the testing team’s job to have in-depth knowledge. Some of the tools are Ranorex, Selenium, Lambda Test, Test complete, and many more. 

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Now that we have enough background information, it’s time to learn the process.  How does it work? It involves four significant steps in general, and these are as follows: 

  1. Defining the scope of automation: it is the part of the application that undergoes automation. It involves the features, complexity, technical feasibility, and common functionality of the application. 
  2. Selecting a tool: you can choose any tool available in the market because there are so many. But it depends on the technology of the test, and so it needs to correspond with it. 
  3. Planning, designing, and development: this phase is for the creation of an automated testing plan. It includes selecting automation tools, framework design and its features, schedules and management of test cases, and finally, testing delivery. 
  4. Executing test cases: this phase is self-explanatory. It requires input data to the script, which then gives a detailed test report. 

It is a step-by-step procedure, and each phase requires meticulous effort. 

A framework is a set of guidelines that help maintain the uniformity of testing and improve its structure. It also helps to mitigate the usage of codes and enhance the repetition of codes side by side. There are four types of frameworks: Data-Driven Automation Framework, Keyword Driven Automation Framework, Modular Automation Framework, and Hybrid Automation Framework.

CAN ALL TESTS BE AUTOMATED?

Here comes the FAQ. To reach a reliable conclusion, one should consider the following conditions:

  • If the execution of the test is repetitive. 
  • If the test cases are challenging and manual execution is impossible.
  • The test cases involve high business risk. 
  • The test cases are overly time-consuming. 

In the conditions mentioned above, automated testing is most fruitful. 

PROS AND CONS

Now that you have reached the end, I’m sure your head is spinning with information. Pardon me, but mine is too. It’s crucial to learn the basics to understand the concept. Don’t worry. We are on the easier part, the pros and cons. 

The most significant advantage of automated testing services is higher ROI. The process is time-saving and cost-effective. In a way that automation is,  no doubt, faster than manual testing, saving up the work costs eventually. It improves the test reports by providing detailed analysis, which manual testers often ignore. It even helps to detect bugs in the earlier stages, improving the quality of the product. There are more chances of faultless work as no human errors. However, writing the automated testing script is a hard nut to crack. It’s the first step that needs utmost accuracy. Although automated testing services save up the cost, they have high maintenance costs in the long run. And if the bug removal is not appropriate, all the efforts go in vain.