Automation Test Process

Selecting the Test Tool

Choose the test tool that best fits your requirements. Depending on the goals of your testing, different types of automation testing tools may be suitable. For example, if your aim is to identify specific software bugs, code analysis automation testing tools may be more appropriate. Some popular test automation tools and web apps available in the market include Selenium IDE, WebDriver, UFT, Ranorex, Cucumber, TestComplete, and Appium. Many of these tools provide tutorials and some are open source, so it's important to have a thorough understanding of each tool and its potential benefits for your testing process.

Establishing the Scope of Automation

Define the specific area of testing that will be automated and determine its extent. During this step, assess the current state of your team, prepare the necessary test data, and set up the testing environment. Automated testing minimises the need for human intervention, allowing tests to run even when the team is not actively engaged.

Consider the following factors when determining the scope of your automation testing:

• Complexity of the test: Evaluate the complexity of the tests to decide which ones are suitable for automation.
• Main testing goals: Identify the primary objectives of your testing efforts to prioritise automation accordingly.
• Resources and business components: Consider the availability of resources, both in terms of tools and personnel, as well as the business components involved in the testing process.
• Technical feasibility: Assess the technical feasibility of automating the specific tests, considering factors such as system architecture, compatibility, and dependencies.

Planning Stage

The planning stage involves the development of a comprehensive testing strategy. This encompasses the selection and utilisation of the automation test tool, framework design, and defining its features. Clear goals should be established to determine the desired outcomes of the testing process. Collaborating with the development team, a detailed timeline should be created for scripting and executing test cases. The scope of automation, including in-scope and out-of-scope elements, must also be considered.

Execution Stage

The execution stage represents a pivotal phase in the automation testing process. With the test tool and strategy in place, tests are executed. Depending on the chosen test, developers may need to write code, familiarize themselves with Web Services Description Language (WSDL), and utilize the tool's API or user interface for automated test execution. Prior to test execution, API testing may be necessary. Automated tests generate reports that provide a summary of the testing progress, enabling analysis and comparison for future tests.

Ongoing Maintenance

Ongoing maintenance is an integral part of the automation testing process, especially if future tests are planned using reusable test scripts. Even with prepared scripts, updates may be required to align with any changes to the automation test tool. Ensuring the scripts remain up to date is essential for subsequent test runs.

Ongoing maintenance also provides reassurance as the team makes their way to the next stage, or backtracks to run another test. When a method has been repeatedly tried and tested, you’re more likely to be provided with an accurate outcome.