What are some Software Test Automation Best Practices?

 

Changes that are made to the application are quickly tracked by the test automation platform to minimize regression efforts. Automated testing helps save money, frees up resources, reduces test execution time and increases test coverage. 

Upon that, the efficiency of the application development process is greatly enhanced by receiving timely feedback about the codebase. 

To further optimize the performance of test automation, best practices can be leveraged. In this article, you will get to know some of the best software test automation best practices.

What is automation testing?

It is a testing method wherein specialist software is used to execute pre-scripted test cases. Automation tools are used to execute test cases during the testing process. This means software can be programmed to run thousands of test cases and uncover bugs before it can affect the users.

 

The following are some of the best test automation practices:

1. Decide the specific test suites that can be automated: A subset of test cases needs to be selected for automation that will bring in the best value for the application.

Following are a few guidelines to identify the suitable test cases that can be automated:

l  Test cases that validate the application’s performance: A lot of traffic is needed for the application and hence these tasks can be quite difficult to run manually. Automating them is considered to be an ideal option

l  Test cases that are repeatedly executed: Repeatable test cases need to be automated, as they are continually executed against every release/build of the application. This will in turn save time and help developers focus on other key activities. Regression tests, smoke tests and sanity tests fall into this category.

 

2. The right framework and testing tool needs to be used: The overall complexity and ease-of-use of developing and running the tests depends on the tool that has been selected and the functionalities that come with it. Testing tools need to be ascertained based on the application that is being developed. 

The team should check the tool’s maintenance status, community support and features when deciding upon which one to use.

The team’s expertise and experience should also be taken into consideration while selecting the tool. This also applies to the frameworks and languages that come with these automation tools.

 

3. Test records need to be kept accordingly: There will be scenarios wherein tests fail and hence need to be fixed accordingly. To debug failed test cases, exception reporting, logs, screenshots and video recordings of the test run are needed. The test’s outcome need also to be known to ascertain the application’s status.

 

4. Test environment set up: In this step, strategies for data storage, report generation and test execution need to be implemented. Test environment includes the software, hardware and network configurations that are necessary for supporting the test execution process.

 

5. Testing efforts need to be divided: The testing tasks needs to be divided among several team members based on their level of expertise and skills. When testing efforts are divided, it helps in promoting collective ownership of tests. Based on the tools that is being used by the team, the allocation can be fine-tuned. 

 

6. Quality test data needs to be used: Any good data-driven test depends upon a set of input data. Proper attention needs to be given when meaningful data is planned and generated. Ultimately, better results are provided. 

Following are a few key points that needs to be taken into consideration:

l  Exceptions should be covered by the data: Scenarios such as discount for certain items from an online shopping site

l  The value of accurate data: Real-life scenarios should be mimicked by test data as closely as possible.

l  Boundary conditions should be covered by the data: Boundary values should be contained in the test data.

 

Conclusion: If you are looking forward to specific guidance and know-how on software test automation process to ultimately strengthen your software application or product, then do get connected with a reputed automation testing services company.

About the author: I am a technical content writer focused on writing technology specific articles. I strive to provide well-researched information on the leading market savvy technologies.