Software Automation Testing Frameworks: Testing is one of the most critical steps in the development of software. Years ago, software developers relied on manual testing. But this has changed courtesy of agile and DevOps methodologies. Today, software developers use test automation for software testing.
Automation testing helps software developers to increase the speed and quality of tests. Various kinds of automation testing frameworks enable this process. As a developer, it is vital to know these frameworks as they become more popular. This article will look deeper into them.
Let’s get started with the different types of frameworks.
- Data-Driven framework
The data-driven framework separates the test data from the logic of their test cases or scripts. Test data is the data you would like to use for tests. On the other hand test cases are procedures used to test data. Test scripts are sets of instructions used for software testing.
The data-driven framework helps in creating test scripts using different sets of test data. The unique aspect of this test framework is that it allows a tester to execute all test cases using multiple data sets.
One of its significant benefits is that modification of test scripts doesn’t affect test data. Also, you do not need to hardcore test data with this framework. It can also save you a tremendous amount of time since you can execute several tests. In addition, you won’t need to encode test data.
- Keyword-Driven Framework
You can also refer to this as action word-based or table-driven testing. This framework uses data tables and keywords to explain what’s happening to the application getting tested. The keywords get specified in an excel sheet, and the framework is ideal for small testing projects.
It’s, therefore, safe to say that this framework is perfect for automation testing beginners. You will find it helpful if use an automation testing platform for the first time. All you need is to know the automation basics. It’s not dependent on testing tools, and you can reuse the code.
- Modular Framework
This framework has been built on an abstraction concept. Testers break the app they want to test into small independent tests. This makes it easier to create test scripts because they create them individually for each test. It’s possible to combine these individual tests to create a master test.
Breaking down an application makes testing scalable and manageable. It also ensures that a change in one module doesn’t affect other modules. This ensures testers get the best results from the testing process. It is also possible for a tester to reuse the code.
- Hybrid Framework
This is a blend of data-driven and keyword-driven frameworks. It’s built on the strengths and benefits of these two popular frameworks. It also borrows from other frameworks like modular depending on the test environment. Today, most teams prefer it for automation testing.
It isn’t complicated despite being a combination of frameworks. Thus, it can be good to use if you are still learning how to start automation testing from scratch. It will help you get the desired results from software testing. Also, it will ensure you do not have issues with any environment.
- Linear Automation Framework
This can also get referred to as the record and playback framework. You create and execute test scripts individually when using this framework. It is another practical framework to use if you get started with automation testing. You will find it simple and efficient for application testing.
The linear automation framework comes with a wide range of benefits. It doesn’t require much time and effort to generate test scripts. Also, you do not need coding knowledge to use it. Last but not least, it offers users one of the quickest ways to generate test scripts.
- Selenium Automation Framework (SAF)
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This is another framework that’s widely used by testers today. Its increasing popularity is a result of how it simplifies testing processes. It leverages automation better than any other framework meaning better efficiency. Also, it simplifies test management by providing a reporting strategy.
Automation testing beginners are among the people who benefit from this framework. They enjoy its intuitive and user-friendly interface. Also, its flexibility makes it easier to carry out testing on diverse data sets. It leverages open source tools which help cut costs for its users.
You can also be sure about the reliability of the end product. This is because the framework increases test coverage. Learning to use it is simple, and you won’t get stuck since there’s the Selenium community to help you. Lastly, you can avoid redundancy when executing tests with it.
- Behavior Driven Development Testing Framework
This framework is there to allow everyone’s inclusivity in testing. Developers, business analysts, testers, and many more people can leverage it. It takes input from everyone that’s involved in the software development project. It aims at bringing all parties to a common understanding.
The behavior-driven framework promotes review and feedback. It also has a wide range of reusable features that make it easy to maintain. It also makes it easy for people to collaborate in an organization. You do not need to understand a programming language to use this framework.
You only need natural language when creating and executing tests. Also, it uses various tools, and examples include Cucumber and JBehave. You can reuse the code, saving time and making testing more rewarding. And everyone in the testing team can understand how it works.
- Library Architecture Testing Framework
You can refer to it as the functional decomposition or structured scripting framework. This framework identifies common tasks in an application and groups them. Each group is a function, and it gets stored in a library. So, the test scripts will create new cases from the library.
It also has several benefits, including being easy to scale. You can also consider it because script maintenance is quite simple. It is also possible to reuse the functions library when using this framework. The downside is that you will need coding skills to make the most of it. Software Automation Testing Frameworks
Conclusion
Agile and DevOps processes are already on the go. Thus, it is essential to understand what they come with and how it works. As a developer, you already understand the need for faster and high-quality software testing. And you now know the types of frameworks and why they matter.
But not all these frameworks are popular in the automation testing world. The most popular include data-driven, keyword-driven, and hybrid frameworks. But it’s crucial to know the other frameworks. This will make it easier to pick the best framework for your team’s testing needs.