Types of Automation Testing: A Beginner’s Guide

Automation testing comes in several forms, which are discussed in this article. It is crucial in software development because it makes the process efficient and accurate. The different types will help the team choose the right approach for their project.

Automation testing uses particular tools to execute tests. This reduces manual efforts and helps speed up the testing process. This article will cover topics such as types of automation testing, frameworks, tools, and best practices.

Table of Content

• What is Automation Testing?
• Types Of Automation Testing
• Automation Test Frameworks
• Types of Framework
• Tools to Use for Your Automated Tests
• How To Do Automation Testing Better?
• Conclusion
• FAQs

What is Automation Testing?

Automation testing is a process that involves using software tools to execute tests. It executes a test previously scripted on a software application to compare the actual and expected results. Compared to manual testing, automation testing helps save time and resources.

Testers use automation tools and write test scripts to perform tests. Automation testing tools are used to replay actions that have been pre-defined, compare results produced, and then report an outcome. Automation testing is beneficial for repetitive tasks and regression testing. It allows one to catch bugs quickly and leads to overall quality enhancement in the software. Automation testing has several advantages over manual testing. It increases test coverage and accuracy.

Automated tests can be run 24*7 without human intervention. This leads to quicker feedback and, thus, shorter development cycles. However, it is always noted that automation testing doesn’t kill the requirement for manual testing. Both techniques have their place within a broad strategy for testing. Knowing what automation testing is is a good thing.

Types Of Automation Testing

There are many types of automation testing used in software development. These include, among others, the following:

• Unit Testing: It focuses on testing individual components or functions of code. Developers usually do it in the coding phase. It ensures that every unit of software works as intended.
• Integration Testing: This type of testing checks the interaction between different modules or services. It verifies whether the integrated constituent parts work as a group. Integration testing is essential in complex systems with many interconnected parts.
• Functional Testing: This testing checks if the software meets all the specified functional requirements. It ensures the application performs all the mentioned functions correctly. Functional tests often mimic real scenarios by end-users.
• Regression Testing: This is performed when changes are made or the tester fixes the software to ensure that new codes do not break existing functionality. Since this is repetitive work, teams usually automate regression testing.
• Performance Testing: These types of testing check the system’s performance under various conditions. They measure parameters such as the software’s speed, responsiveness, and stability under various loads. Performance testing helps find and optimize bottlenecks in the software.
• Security Testing: This is searching for loopholes in the software. It saves from many potential security threats and data breaches. Automated security testing enables one to check for common vulnerabilities regularly.
• User Interface (UI) Testing: This type of testing checks the application’s graphical user interface. This ensures all user interface elements work correctly and meet the design specifications. Usually, UI testing involves simulating user actions against the application’s user interface.
• API tests deal directly with the application programming interfaces. This ensures that the APIs respond correctly to various requests. API testing is significant for an application based on multiple services.
• Database Testing: This kind of testing checks for data integrity and consistency. It ensures that database operations work fine and the data is appropriately stored. Database testing is essential for data-driven applications.

Which type of testing solely depends on automation has become an essential consideration for modern development practices.

Automation Test Frameworks

Automation test frameworks provide guidelines on how test cases shall be developed and designed. They also help structure test scripts and improve test efficiency. They provide reusable components and reduce maintenance efforts.

An excellent framework introduces consistency in testing. It allows the generation of test reports and logs. Frameworks also help in test data management and test environments. They can drastically change the overall automation testing process.

Types of Framework

The following types of automation testing frameworks are used:

• Linear Automation Framework: This is the most straightforward framework. The steps are recorded and then played back to conduct the test. It’s easy to implement but lacks reusability.
• Modular-Based Testing Framework: This framework segments the application into independent modules. Independent testing for each module improves test maintenance and scalability.
• Library Architecture Test Framework: The framework is based on dividing tasks into functions. Developers store these opers in lib, making it easier to reuse them and reduce the amount of script maintenance.
• Data-Driven Framework: This framework separates test data from the logic of the scripts. It allows testers to execute the same test with multiple data sets, which is quite helpful when testing various combinations of data.
• Keyword-Driven Framework: It uses keywords that turn into actions in the application. Testers can develop tests without in-depth programming knowledge, and it improves test case readability and maintenance.
• Hybrid Testing Framework: It combines two or more of the above frameworks. It allows you to take advantage of multiple approaches at a time. You can tailor-make hybrid frameworks to suit the needs of your particular project.

This information can help you prepare for Automation Testing Interview Questions.

Tools to Use for Your Automated Tests

There are several automation testing tools. Among the most popular ones, the following must be included:

• Selenium: This is very extensively used for testing web applications. Numerous programming languages and browsers are supported.
• JUnit is one of the most well-known frameworks for unit testing Java applications. Its usage is quite simple, and it runs well and integrates well with other tools.
• TestNG: Another test automation framework, TestNG, is also based on Java but has more features available than JUnit. For example, it includes parallel test execution.
• Appium: used to test mobile applications. It is compatible with both the Android and iOS platforms.
• Cucumber: Behavior-driven development tool. Test cases are written in plain language.
• Jenkins: Continuous integration tool. Can automate the testing process. Integrates with most of the testing tools.
• Postman: This can be used to test API. Postman provides a very user-friendly interface for writing and executing API tests.
• LoadRunner: It is a Performance testing tool. It can generate thousands of users to test the application’s performance.
• JIRA: Though not a testing tool per se, it is still helpful for Test Management and bug tracking.
• QTP/UFT: HP Unified Functional Testing is a Functional and Regression testing tool

How To Do Automation Testing Better?

Do the following best practices to improve your Automation testing:

• Choose the proper tests to automate: All tests may not be appropriate for automation. Repetitive tests, data-driven tests, and those hard to perform manually should be focussed on.
• Appropriate tools: The choice of tool should be based on your project’s needs and your team’s skills. Consider aspects such as the programming languages that can be used and integration capabilities.
• Design for maintainability: Modular and reusable reusable test scripts are a must. Follow best practices for coding. It is also essential to have descriptive test names.
• Manage test data: Externalize test data from external sources. This eases the update and maintenance of tests.
• Create a stable test environment: The test environment should be as close to the production environment as possible. This allows for catching environment-specific issues as early as possible.
• Implement continuous integration: Automate tests in your CI/CD pipeline. This will allow teams to run the tests more frequently and obtain feedback earlier on the test execution.
• Monitor and maintain your tests: You should regularly review and update your automated tests. Remove obsolete tests and add new ones as needed.
• Train your team: Provide training to your team on automation tools and best practices to ensure quality overall in tests and their efficiency.
• Use version control: Retain the test scripts in the version control. This aids in tracking the changes and allows effective collaboration.
• Analyzing test results: The results from the tests should be run and interpreted. Look for patterns of failures and fix root causes.

If you want to learn more, consider taking an Automation Testing Course or looking up resources on Automation Testing Tutorial.

Conclusion

Automation testing is an integral part of software development processes today. It enhances the efficiency, accuracy, and coverage of testing efforts. The different types and frameworks enable teams to use effective automation strategies by understanding these. Each type serves a unique purpose and thus contributes to the overall quality of testing. The correct approach and selection of tools allow teams to enhance their testing efforts. This continuous improvement in automation practices increases the quality of the software.

FAQs

How many types of automation testing are there?

 From the most common, we have unit, integration, functional, regression, performance, security, UI, API, and database testing. The number is subjective and may vary depending on how one categorizes.

What methods are used in automation testing?

The common approaches to automation testing are record and playback, data-driven testing, keyword-driven testing, and scripting. These methods typically utilize specific frameworks and tools to develop and run automated tests effectively.

What is QA automation?

Quality assurance teams automate testing using software tools. This process creates automated tests and runs them against software under test to verify its quality. It increases testing efficiency and software reliability.

How many API automation testing types are there?

API automation testing typically includes the following types of testing: functional, load, security, integration, and regression testing. The number may differ in different cases, but these areas will cover all the main points related to API testing. Each type emphasizes different areas of an API’s functionality and performance.