Test Automation with Java: Why It’s Worth the Effort & How to Do It

Over half of the software companies use test automation. And almost all testing pros rely on it for advanced workflows. What does it mean for you as a QA engineer? It’s high time to start learning automated testing. With some tools, you don’t need to really know code. But that won’t get you far.

The reality is that to be an expert in AQA, you need to dabble in programming languages. That’s why today, we’ll discuss Java as an ideal starting point.

What Is Java?

Java is a versatile, object-oriented programming language (PL) designed to be platform-independent. Java programs can run on any device with Java Virtual Machine (JVM) installed, regardless of the underlying hardware and operating system.

Java is an old soul in software development and testing. Created almost three decades ago, it is now among the top PLs for diverse projects. Google, Amazon, Uber, Netflix, Spotify, and many others use it in their businesses. And Java’s popularity is well-deserved.

Java’s Defining Traits

To fully understand why Java is held in high regard, let’s examine some of its outstanding features.

• Java compiler (javac) translates the human-readable source code into an intermediate binary format called bytecode. This low-level representation is platform-independent. In other words, you can run it on any device that has JVM. You may have heard of WORA – “write once, run anywhere”. That’s what this acronym refers to.
• Java follows the principles of object-oriented programming (OOP), which fosters code security, reusability, flexibility, and management.
• It also has built-in security features, such as the sandbox model, bytecode verification, security manager, etc.
• Java uses a garbage collector to automatically manage memory. This feature prevents memory leaks and makes it easier to focus on application logic rather than memory management.
• This PL comes with a rich standard library, providing many functionalities. So, you don’t need to write extensive code to perform common tasks.
• Java supports multithreading. It allows the smallest execution unit in a program to run independently, sharing the same resources and memory space.
• Plus, it has a large and active community. For developers and QA engineers, it offers abundant resources, libraries, and frameworks. Most importantly – you can always ask for help.

Why You Should Learn Java

When it comes to the decision on what PL to learn, there’s only one answer – the sky is your limit. After all, the more you know – the better. Yet, in practice, it’s unrealistic. So, for QA specialists, the optimal choice is opting for popular languages. For example, Python, Java, and C# always huddle up in the “top-lists”.

But let’s stay on track and discuss the pros of Java knowledge for you as a professional.

• Java is adopted across various niches. It’s also considered standard for enterprise-level applications. Learning Java for test automation aligns with industry trends and increases the compatibility of your skills with diverse projects.
• In general, Java is compatible with lots of tools and frameworks. This versatility means that you can use diverse tools for different testing needs.
• Java is a highly sought-after skill in the job market. Learning Java for test automation enhances your employability and opens up opportunities in various industries.

Benefits of Java for Test Automation

Java’s advantages for automation testing services lie in its features. In this section, we’d like to focus on the PL’s impact on your professional growth and what you can bring to the table knowing Java.

Pros for QA Engineers

• Java is a widely used language. When you learn Java for test automation, you get skills that are transferable to various projects and organizations. In other words, it enhances your adaptability.
• Java emphasizes OOP, encouraging modular code practices. Test automation teams can benefit from modular and reusable code, facilitating collaboration and efficient code sharing.
• Java’s syntax and structure contribute to code readability. Teams can maintain test suites more easily, update scripts, and introduce new members to existing automation projects with minimal training.
• Being part of a large Java community means access to best practices, coding standards, and design patterns. You can leverage community-driven insights to enhance code quality and maintainability.
• Java has an abundant tool ecosystem. Teams can choose the most suitable tools for their specific needs, fostering flexibility and adaptability in the testing ecosystem.

What Your Java Expertise Means for Businesses

• Many Java-based testing tools, frameworks, and libraries are open-source. This contributes to cost-effective test automation solutions, making the PL fit distinct companies.
• Java supports parallel execution and integration with CI/CD tools like Jenkins, accelerating the testing process. This, in turn, contributes to faster releases and reduced time-to-market.
• The platform independence of Java promotes cross-platform compatibility. You can write a test script once and execute it across different environments. As a result, there’s consistent testing and fewer deployment challenges.
• Java’s versatility makes it well-suited for large-scale projects. As businesses grow, their test automation infrastructure can scale efficiently, preserving stability and ease of maintenance.
• Java is a mature programming language, thus contributing to test scripts’ reliability. Businesses can count on Java-based solutions for consistent and accurate test execution.
• The widespread use of Java promotes standardization in tools and frameworks. This standardization enhances collaboration between different teams.
• Java evolves with the industry, incorporating modern practices and features. Companies using Java for test automation can swiftly adapt to emerging trends and technologies.

Automating Tests with Java

Now, to a more practical part. We’ll overview how the automation process goes and how to do it with Java.

Step 1. Set Up Your Development Environment

1. Download and install the Java Development Kit (JDK) from the official Oracle website or adopt OpenJDK. Set the JAVA_HOME environment variable.
2. Choose a tool to write and organize your code. Popular choices include Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA, or Visual Studio Code.
3. Consider using a build tool like Apache Maven or Gradle. These tools help manage dependencies and build your project. You can create a new project and configure the build tool accordingly.

Step 2. Create a New Java Project

1. Launch your chosen integrated development environment (IDE) and start a new Java project. This provides a space to organize your code.
2. Within your project, create a package (a way to structure code) specifically for your tests. For instance, you might name it “tests” or “testcases”.

Step 3. Add Dependencies

1. If you’re using a testing framework like JUnit or TestNG, let your project know about it. You’ll do this by adding relevant information to a configuration file in your project. For example, if using Maven, add dependencies to the `pom.xml` file.
2. If your tests involve interacting with a web browser, you might need Selenium WebDriver.

Step 4. Write Your Tests

1. Create Java classes to represent your tests. These classes should include test methods with testing annotations provided by the chosen testing framework (e.g., `@Test` for JUnit).
2. Write assertions to validate that the expected outcomes of your tests match the actual results.

Step 5. Run Your Tests

1. Most IDEs have a “Run” button. Clicking this button will execute your tests. This is like pressing play on a video – it runs your code and checks if everything works as expected.
2. If you’re using Maven or Gradle, you can use their commands to build and run tests from the command line. For example, with Maven, you can use the `mvn test` command.

Step 6. Check Test Results

1. After running the tests, review the output in the console or test runner window of your IDE. This will show which tests passed and which failed.
2. Many testing frameworks and build tools provide options for generating detailed test reports. Configure your build tool to generate reports, making it easier to analyze test results.

Remember, the key is to start small, gradually adding complexity as you become more comfortable with the testing process.

Java Automation Frameworks

Automation frameworks offer structured guidelines, coding standards, and reusable components for organized testing. Let’s review some of the popular options that work well with Java.

1. JUnit is a popular testing framework for Java. It provides annotations to define test methods, fixtures, and suites, making it easy to structure and run tests. It’s well-suited for unit testing and integration testing.
2. TestNG is a testing framework inspired by JUnit but designed to be more powerful. It supports parallel test execution, test parameterization, and test grouping. It’s great for unit, integration, and end-to-end testing.
3. Selenide is a concise and expressive web testing framework for Java that simplifies Selenium WebDriver interactions. It aims to provide a more user-friendly and readable API for web testing. Selenide is specifically designed for web UI testing, making it easy to write and maintain tests for web apps.
4. Cucumber is a behavior-driven development (BDD) framework that lets you write tests in natural language using Gherkin syntax. It promotes collaboration between technical and non-technical team members. Commonly, Selenide is used for acceptance testing and BDD practices.
5. Serenity is a library that integrates with popular testing frameworks like JUnit and TestNG. It focuses on providing detailed and narrative-style reporting. So, it’s perfect for projects where comprehensive and readable test reports are crucial.
6. RestAssured is a Java library for testing RESTful APIs. It simplifies the testing of HTTP-based services and supports writing readable and expressive tests for APIs. It allows for the validation of RESTful web services and handling of JSON/XML responses.
7. Mockito is a mocking framework for Java. Mock objects simulate the behavior of real objects, enabling isolated testing of specific components. It’s commonly used for unit testing to isolate elements and focus on the behavior of individual units.
8. Spock is a testing and specification framework for Java and Groovy. It combines the best features of JUnit, TestNG, and Mockito into a single, concise, and expressive framework. It’s great for both unit and integration testing, offering a versatile approach to testing various app levels.

Many projects use a combination of these frameworks to address different aspects of testing. So, get to know as many as you can. It’ll help you polish your expertise and feel confident in your work.

To Sum Up

It’s clear that automation will make up a lion’s share of software testing services. But don’t learn just to follow trends. Do it for you. Expand your knowledge to be the best version of yourself. For Java, in particular, there are plenty of guides on YouTube, free resources like blogs, and affordable courses on Udemy.

Just keep learning. Good luck.