Automation is now a priority. Nearly all QA specialists write automation scripts for their projects. To secure your professional growth, you need to upskill regularly. Prioritizing test automation services at this time is your best bet. So, if you’re starting your automation journey or want to level up existing knowledge, here’s what you should know.
Let’s warm up with the basics. Test cases are instructions for human QA engineers – what and how to check in software. Scripts are instructions for a program that will execute the tests. So you can make a test case and adapt it into a test script (for a machine to grasp it), automating it.
A test case is a specific set of conditions and actions you need to execute to verify the behavior of a feature/component. Test cases are documented instructions that outline the input values, the steps to perform, and the expected outcomes. They are created based on requirements, specifications, and use cases.
ID: TC001
Summary: Verify that a user can successfully log in to the website.
Pre-conditions:
The test data to access the test account:
Steps:
Expected Outcome:
A success message is displayed after the login procedure.
A test script is a set of instructions written in a scripting or programming language that automates the execution of test cases. So, a script is that same test case adjusted for a tool you’re working with. That’s why it is also called an “automated test case.”
Each test case has two parts: simulation (taking the test steps) and validation (comparing the outcomes). QA specialists can visually assess the result of a test. For a program to do so, it needs even more guidelines. And when you write automation scripts, most of them are reserved for the validation instructions.
Avoiding the complexity of a code-written test, always prioritize simplified automation test scripts. Here’s an example of one:
For a program to do all that, you would also need to specify:
Scripts for manual testing seem much simpler. But automated tests are just more voluminous due to the “translation” you need to perform for the tool.
You don’t have to be a programming language expert to provide automation testing services. But you’ll have to develop your proficiency in a programming language to continue. Various types of test automation frameworks exist to simplify the automation process. Within them, codeless automation platforms are increasingly popular.
Codeless automation tools execute automated test scripts without requiring manual coding or programming skills. They simplify the test automation by providing a visual interface and pre-built components. You can drag and drop these components to design their automation workflows.
Codeless automation tools let you script via a graphical user interface.
Such tools also provide reporting and analytics features. You can generate test execution reports that detail the steps, outcomes, and any failures.
A few more pleasantries for automation beginners these tools offer:
So don’t be terrified of automation. There’s a comfortable starting point where you can learn the basics and get accustomed to the procedures.
Once you get more comfortable with automation, you’ll have to learn much more quickly. And the process might seem problematic at the beginning. These tips will help you get started on the path to developing productive automation test cases.
First, it’s important to have a solid understanding of what automated testing (AT) is and why it matters. AT involves writing scripts to execute test cases automatically, replacing manual testing efforts. This leads to faster testing cycles, reduced human errors, and more thorough test coverage.
So, get invested in the essentials of automation. Grasp how tests relate to coverage, what automation frameworks there are and how to use them, etc.
Selecting the appropriate testing tools is a must. Depending on your project and the technologies involved, choose tools that align with your testing needs. Thoroughly investigate the project you’re working with and research what tools (and their combinations) would suit it.
Begin with simple test cases to build your confidence and understanding of the testing process. Focus on automating repetitive tasks or vital functionalities that secure business-critical features. As you gain experience, gradually expand the scope of your automated tests.
Regular and informative conversations ensure your tests align with the project’s goals. Collaboration with developers, QA engineers, and business analysts will advance the product and your skills. Engage in discussions about testing requirements, expected outcomes, and potential edge cases.
Write test scripts that are easy to read and understand. Use descriptive names for test methods and follow coding standards. Well-structured test scripts are not only easier to maintain but also help other team members quickly grasp the purpose of each test.
Focus on test cases that cover critical functionalities, user interactions, and potential error scenarios. Aiming for comprehensive test coverage from the start can lead to more efficient bug detection and better overall software quality.
Assertions are essential for verifying expected outcomes in automated tests. Ensure that your assertions are specific and cover the relevant aspects of the app’s behavior. Use assertion libraries provided by testing frameworks to make assertions clearer.
Plan how you’ll manage test data and test environments. Using mock data or test databases can help ensure that your tests run consistently and do not impact production data. For UI tests, consider using sandbox environments or test servers to avoid conflicts.
Your automated tests should also be updated to reflect changes in functionality. Take your time for regular maintenance to ensure that your tests remain relevant.
After writing your tests, review them again. Look for ways to improve the structure, readability, and efficiency of your test scripts. Collect feedback from your team members and apply it to elevate your scripts.
And don’t forget to refresh your product knowledge by getting up-to-date information about the development process, features, and plans.
Mastering automation is an effortful undertaking. And you need to do it. As companies move to shorter software development lifecycles and CI/CD pipelines, AT will become the core component of QA services. With new tools and technologies, constant upskilling of expertise is non-negotiable. So, strive to tackle automated testing now. We’ll be here to help you.
Good luck, and keep learning.
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