How to Set Up a Test Automation Framework

Software applications are developed using a framework, which is the environmental set up required to create applications. A test automation framework serves the same function, except it does so for software testing rather than software development. The testing framework is typically made up of several coding standards, protocols, rules, and directives. This helps increase code reuse and portability, decrease script maintenance, minimize expenses on test automation services, and enhance product quality with robust testing.

Types of Test Automation Framework

An automation framework enables the testing team to implement and execute a range of tests such as unit testing, performance and integration testing, security testing and more. When it comes to setting up your own test automation framework, there are different types of test automation frameworks to consider, so you can determine which one is best suited to your needs. The framework can be used for automating regression testing, unit tests, performance, integration, and more.

Behavior Driven Development Framework

Because it does not involve the usage of any programming language, the behavior-driven development framework is simple to comprehend. This framework is ideal for projects when numerous quality assurance & testing teams are collaborating and some of the participants lack technical expertise. Because BDD is written in a simple language, it is easy to understand and easy to learn.

It evolved from TDD (Test Driven Development) and is written in a common language, which enhances communication between all teams engaged in the project. Before developing any code, the tests are written first. The advantages are that it allows testing teams to work with multiple test data and increases code reusability of the code.

Data-Driven Framework

Data is the big focus with this test automation framework design. It stores the data externally and separates the data from the scripts and the logic. This is ideal for situations where QA engineers need to repeatedly test the same feature or function with various sets of data. For this reason, unlike in earlier kinds of frameworks, the data is not hard coded in the scripts.

QA engineers can access external data sources including Excel, CSV, SQL, ODBC repositories, and text files using a data-driven architecture. The scripts will read and populate the data as needed once they are connected to the data source.

Keyword-Driven Framework

The application’s functionalities are listed in a table in chronological sequence for the tests that are being run, much like the data-driven framework. The script logic and the data are independent of each other. The keywords are arranged in a step-by-step manner in the external table together with the object or UI element with which they are linked. The object repository will be connected to the object and its related operations. These operations could be simple clicks or more complicated verifications.

After the table is set up for the keyword-driven framework, all scripts should be written in a way that prompts for the appropriate actions connected with this keyword. So, the keyword is an action done on a GUI component. The benefit is that you do not need strong scripting knowledge and one keyword can be used across several testing scripts, making it highly reusable.

Linear Automation Framework

In this test automation framework design, all the steps are written and carried out in a sequential order. A tester records every step for a specific test and then executes the script to run the test. For simple and small functions and apps or when you don’t have much time for the test, this kind of framework is ideal. There is a quick technique to produce test scripts and no need to write intricate custom code. The test data is hardcoded into the test cases, which is a downside. As a result, the test case cannot be used again because it cannot be run with different sets of data.

Modular Based Testing Framework

In a modular framework, the tester must separate the application into different portions, or functions and then test each one separately. Once the program has been divided into its component parts, the QA engineers write a test script for each one and organize them hierarchically in a single text script. Building modules so that changes to one won’t affect the others is crucial when using a modular framework. The high level of modularization makes maintenance simpler and more economical. However, you can’t use different data sets because the data is hardcoded into the scripts. The framework must be built up through coding because it is not solely reliant on recording.

Hybrid Testing Framework

The framework that can combine any of the above allows you to leverage the benefits of some frameworks while avoiding some of their drawbacks. Every team is unique, and so are their methods. So, you need a framework that can adapt to your processes and a hybrid testing framework may be more flexible.

Steps to Building Your Framework

Before choosing which type of framework to build, it is important to have a clear and detailed plan of your objectives.

1. Organize and define resources for writing and maintaining automated tests and what tools and coding languages will be used.
2. Establish how to report and log test results.
3. Define how to handle version control and test script security.
4. Decide how scripts for the automation of testing will be stored and executed. If more than one app needs to be tested, you will need a scalable framework.
5. Define if tests need variable data or if hard coded test data is acceptable.
6. Consider the platforms on which to test such as web or mobile app testing.

Testing Data

Collect the test data and configure the test environment. The framework should house the data separately from the tests, so use repositories to store data and keep your properties and references generic, not test specific. This will allow your data objects to be shared between scripts and the data can be used across all the utilities.

Shared Utilities

Create shared utilities for the user interface components like text input fields and menu navigation. These are the fundamental components of your tests, which you can assemble to create the test logic.

Create a Smoke Test

Smoke tests confirm that the most important features of an application operate as intended and assess the necessity for further testing. A successful smoke test indicates that your application’s critical components are operational, allowing you to move on to more thorough testing. A smoke test suite will need to extend as your software becomes more mature or has more capabilities.

Take Away

The purpose of tests is to verify application logic and frameworks make it simple to design and build tests. The process of creating an automated UI testing framework might be difficult at first as it requires a lot of effort and time. Your framework should serve as a comprehensive manual for your testing procedure, outlining everything from the standard language you intend to use for writing code and scripts to the best practices and tools you intend to utilize. Once you master this, you’ll be able to construct a solid UI automation architecture that will create the groundwork for long-term success.