Automation Testing Framework Basics

Automation Testing Framework Basics

What is Framework?

A framework is considered to be a combination of set protocols, rules, standards and guidelines that can be incorporated or followed as a whole so as to utilize the benefits of the structure provided by the Framework.

What is Automation Test framework?

A “Test Automation Framework” is a structure that is laid to provide an execution environment for the automation test scripts. The framework provides the user with various benefits that helps them to develop, execute and report the automation test scripts efficiently. It is more like a system that has created specifically to automate our tests.

In very simple words, a framework is a blend of various guidelines, coding standards, concepts, processes, practices, project hierarchies, modularity, reporting mechanism, test data injections etc. to pillar automation testing. Thus, user can follow these guidelines while automating application to take advantages of various productive results.

Goal of Automation Framework

The most important goal of any Automation Framework is to meet the Testing objective and make the tester’s job easier and faster. It should reduce the risk and cost of Testing and software failure by increasing test coverage.

Common Manual Testing Problems

1. Manual Testing of all work flows, all fields , all negative scenarios is time and cost consuming
2. Testing on different environments and executing number of cycles after each fix, is time consuming and increases repetitive work for manual tester.
3. Regression Tests of large number of test cases in short deadline is not possible manually.
4. Automation does not require Human intervention. You can run automated test unattended (overnight) and get a report after end of execution
5. Manual Testing can become boring and hence error prone.

Advantages of Test Automation framework

1. Reusability of code-
2. Increased Test coverage
3. Low cost maintenance
4. Minimal manual intervention
5. Easy Reporting
6. Ease of Scripting
7. Easy Understandably to any new user
8. Easy maintenance of scripts and tests
9.  Can make automation efforts more holistic: Application independent

Types of Automation Framework

1.       Data Driven Framework

2.       Key Word Driven Framework

3.       Modular Framework

4.       Hybrid Framework

5.       Behaviour Driven Development Framework

Challenges in Building Automation Framework

1.       Very good knowledge of Automation Tool and scripting, Not all the testers can write scripts. Availability of specialized resources is a must.

2.       Change Request that makes system functionality to change again and again.

3.       New Browser versions are constantly coming up, so UI and elements change.

4.       Achieving 100% automatic tests is an unreachable goal

5.       Initial cost , No immediate payback for the investment