Evolution of Generations in Test Automation
Test Automation has seen an incremental evolution from the early generations of Record & Playback to the present fifth generation Code Less Automation. During the first generation, it was Record & Playback followed by the second generation Use/Reuse of functions followed by the third generation Data-Driven Scripts. Further to this, is the fourth generation of test automation that is widely used and has seen the usage of Action Keyword Scripts. Today, with the penetration of fifth-generation test automation, a functional tester can create an effective robust test automation scripts. It helps in testing the application in minimal time using the Script-less methodology. A rather simple definition of Script-less test automation helps users automate their tests without having to script and use a model-based approach for test automation. This method enhances the scalability approach as it makes use of readily available code assets termed as keywords or reusable models to build and maintain automated test cases.
Advantages with Script-less Test Automation
The Script-less test automation has certain advantages wherein the test analyst need not write the automated test scripts. A tester need not create action-based functions to implement an action test case. Moreover, the other important advantage is even any functional tester can create the script while testing a scenario manually. Certain action like arithmetic calculations, file handling, database handling, or any others can be built as keywords and can be used across applications, tools and technologies.
Major Challenges with the Earlier Test Automation Approaches
During the early traditional approach of record & playback and also with the other generations of test automation, the major challenge was with the maintenance of large test scripts. With the frequent changes to functional flows and erratic changes to the technical aspects of the product, there was a need for better automation. The earlier test automation frameworks could not keep pace with the large frequent product changes and could not maintain the huge set of test scripts. However, the Fifth generation takes a different approach to the action-based testing and thus drastically reduces the test script maintenance effort. A tester can change the test scenario steps with minimal effort.
The Ease of Searching in the Search Engines (Keywords) on Test Automation
Today, it is very common for the end-user or an enterprise to search and know about the latest with respect to Test Automation. The most commonly used keywords for the fifth generation test automation are “Script-less automation”, “Don’t need an expert”, “Functional testers using automation”, Automation that saves time” etc. These keywords substantiate the need for a Script-less automation search.
After knowing about the fifth-generation search keywords, it is now the turn to know about the fifth-generation tools and the benefits of the fifth generation test automation.
Innovative Fifth Generation Test Automation Tools
Fifth-generation tools consist of a new and simplified methodology embodied in keywords, objects descriptors etc. It depends on feeding the execution engine to carry out the actions. Typically, the major difference between the fourth and fifth generations is a gradual change from scripts, keywords, charts, pictures etc. to the latest test execution based on recorded test steps. The major aspect to be kept in before selecting the fifth generation tool is proper knowledge and understanding of the technologies is needed. It is also important to work with the trial version of the tool and study it in detail to know its effectiveness with respect to the application under test. Some of the tools used for scriptless automation are Worksoft Certify and TOSCA.
The Script-less nature of the tests facilitates the involvement of BA’s, stakeholders and serves as a medium for interaction between development teams, business analysts, technical experts and QA team. It is easier for business analysts and functional experts to discuss and review the test cases. The ease of script design helps to introduce test automation early in the product development lifecycle and helps in achieving greater ROI. Script-less automation, therefore, caters to the present-day requirements of agile testing.
Test Automation Tools Comparison
The following table compares different tools with respect to their licensing price and their support for different technologies. The below table is only indicative of the specifications of the tool.
Benefits with Script-less Test Automation Tools
- Script-Free testing for non-programmers
- Programming skills not required
- Browser agnostic & OS independent
- Human readable test scripts
- Click & go test reports
- Real-time email notifications with test results
- Learn and go functionality for rapidly creating test scripts
- Reduce testing cost and timescales
- Powerful integrated reporting capabilities with multiple export formats
- Well customizable reports & screenshots
- Test logs generated for every run
With the availability of both open source and commercial automation tools and frameworks, it is preferred to partner with an independent testing services provider to enable test automation and reap quality products.
