Framework used in software Automation Testing

Any good automated testing procedure must include testing frameworks. For QA teams aiming to improve their agile procedures, they may cut maintenance expenses and testing time while also offering a stronger return on investment (ROI).

The purpose of this article is to discuss the most popular framework types now in use, as well as their merits and drawbacks. This article will give QA professionals a high−level overview of each type of framework and how they may contribute to the success of any automated testing process, whether they are new to automated testing or just need a fast reminder.

What is a Test Framework?

Before going over the most common types of frameworks and their merits, let's establish a test automation framework. A testing framework is a collection of guidelines or benchmarks for creating and structuring test cases. QA experts may run tests more rapidly by using a framework, which is made up of a range of methods and tools.

These guidelines include things like coding standards, methods for handling test data, object repositories, protocols for storing test results, and directions on how to access outside resources, to name a few.

Testers can still create or record tests without following these guidelines, even if doing so often provides additional advantages that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Benefits of a Framework for Test Automation

By utilizing an automated testing framework, a team can run tests more quickly and efficiently, improve test correctness, lower maintenance costs, and reduce risks. For several reasons, including the following, they are essential to a successful automated testing process −

• Greater test efficiency

• Less expensive maintenance costs

• Hardly any manual intervention

• Code reuse with the highest test coverage

Frameworks for Automated Testing

There are six well−known types of test automation frameworks, each with an own style and set of benefits and cons. When developing a test plan, choosing the right framework is crucial.

• Linear Automation Framework

• Modular-Based Testing Framework

• Library Architecture Testing Framework

• Data−Driven Framework

• Keyword−Driven Framework

• Hybrid Testing Framework

Linear Automation Framework

The stages are described sequentially when utilizing a linear test automation framework, also known as a record−and−playback framework, so testers don't need to write code to develop functions. In this process, the tester captures all navigational movements, user input, and checkpoints, and then automatically repeats the script to perform the test.

Modular-Based Testing Framework

When employing a modular design, testers must divide the software being tested into separate components, functions, or chunks in order for each to be tested separately. Once the software has been broken down into its component elements, a test script is produced for each module.

These test scripts are then combined to create larger tests using a hierarchical methodology. These larger test sets will start to include a variety of test situations. In order to implement the modular design, it is essential to build an abstraction layer, which prevents modifications to individual components from having an influence on the entire module.

Library Architecture Testing Framework

The library architecture framework for automated testing provides a number of additional benefits on top of the modular basis. Instead of breaking up the test programme into all of the many scripts that need to be run, similar jobs inside the scripts are located and then grouped by function, allowing the application to finally be broken up into common objectives. The test scripts can utilise this collection of functions as necessary.

Data-Driven Framework

When adopting a data−driven framework, test data may be stored anywhere because the script logic and test data are separated. Testing professionals frequently need to conduct many tests of the same application feature or function using different sets of data. It is crucial that the test data not be hard−coded in the script itself when using a testing framework that is linear or modular−based.

Keyword-Driven Framework

A keyword−driven framework lists each function of the application being tested in a table along with a set of guidelines that must be followed for each test that has to be run. Similar to a data−driven framework, a keyword−driven framework further distinguishes between the test data and script logic.

By storing keywords in an external data table along with the automated testing tool, this technique makes keywords independent of the automated testing tool being used to run the tests. The script's keywords section encapsulates all the various steps necessary to test a graphical user interface (GUI). These may be identified by straightforward labels like "click" or "login" or by more complex names like "clicklink."

Hybrid Testing Framework

Similar to how most testing processes do these days, automated testing frameworks are starting to converge and overlap. A hybrid framework, as its name suggests, combines any of the frameworks mentioned above to enhance their benefits and lessen their weaknesses.

Because each application is distinct, testing techniques should be as well. As more teams adopt an agile methodology, a flexible framework for automated testing must be created. A hybrid framework could be easier to modify in order to get the best test results.

Conclusion

One suggested approach for creating a hybrid framework for automated testing is to choose a technology that can quickly and easily adapt to your procedures. When choosing one, look for an automated testing system that is flexible and can handle a wide range of apps and languages.

This will make it possible for any team member, regardless of experience or skill set, to contribute to your testing efforts. TestComplete, our automated testing platform, gives QA teams an all−inclusive setting for planning and executing automated testing projects. For desktop, mobile, and web programs, it provides UI and functional testing.