Recently, with the continuous development of information technology, manual testing has gradually been replaced by automated testing. Thanks to automated testing technology, the software testing process as well as the Automation Tester’s work becomes more efficient. However, there are still many people who do not clearly understand this type of testing. So what is test automation? What are the importance, benefits, limitations, and actual process of this type of testing? What does an Automation Tester need to do to meet this job requirement? Get more details with BAP Software now!
1. What is test automation?
Since the advent of automated testing, Tester’s job has become easier. Source: cncvina.com.vn
Test automation is a software testing method performed by using special automated testing software tools to execute test cases.
Automated testing is often applied when:
- Large number of tests, high frequency, large data, and must be performed in a short time.
- The test applies in many different environments.
- The project is stable, its functions will not change in the future.
- Automated testing is iterative over and over again with basic data.
2. Why is automated testing important?
Test automation is the most effective software testing method today. Source: icehousecorp.com
Test Automation is the best way to test and increase the efficiency, test coverage, and speed of execution of software tests. The automated testing process is quite important for many reasons such as:
- Test automation helps synchronize workflows, thereby saving time and money.
- It is difficult to test multilingual websites without using automation.
- Test automation does not require human intervention and can run entirely on its own.
- Automated testing helps increase the speed and scope of testing.
- Test automation helps the monitoring process become more accurate and clearer.
3. Benefits and limitations of test automation
About benefits:
Automated testing not only brings many benefits to Automation Testers but also brings benefits to enterprises. Source: testevolve.com
- Automated testing tools are more stable than humans, so the reliability of test automation is higher.
- Reduce QA processing time by up to 80%, helping reduce software launch time.
- Automated testing helps save costs, improve software accuracy, and ensure information consistency.
- Human intervention is not required while conducting the test.
- Can be checked regularly.
- Processes can be repeated thanks to automation.
- Test results through automation are reliable because the process is already in place.
- The test can be reused across different versions of the software if there are feature updates or interface changes.
About the disadvantages:
- Labor costs, hiring QA engineers, and specialized automated software tool costs are high.
- The time to design a software test for the first time is quite long and needs to be carefully installed before testing.
- Maintaining and upgrading tests as required takes a lot of time and effort.
- Requires Testers to have experience and extremely professional programming skills.
4. Test automation process
The automated testing process starts with tool selection and ends with maintenance. Source: guru99.com
The test automation process includes 5 stages as follows:
Phase 1: Select testing tools
To choose the right testing tool, technicians need to rely on the technology on which the software being tested is built. Each type of testing tool will have its characteristics and is suitable for different types of automated testing. Before deciding on the right tool, you can consider several issues such as:
- How many languages does the tool support?
- Is the tool easy to develop and maintain scripts?
- Is the test reporting function installed?
- How many types of testing can the tool be applied to?
- Can the tool work on platforms such as websites, smartphones, and tablets?
Phase 2: Determine the scope of automation
Automation coverage is the area where the software under test will have its workflow automated.
To determine the scope of automation, pay attention to the following points:
- Typical characteristics of the enterprise.
- Complexity of test cases.
- Technical feasibility.
- General features of the software.
- The amount of data of the tested software.
Phase 3: Planning, design and development
At this stage, the technician will plan the test, design, and develop the process. To perform this step, it is necessary to complete the automation tool selection, design the framework and features, and set up the testing schedule and execution time.
Phase 4: Conduct testing
After planning, designing, and developing the test procedure, the test is conducted. Command sets require input test data before being set up to run. After implementation, a detailed test report is required.
The process can be done using automation tools directly or indirectly through test management tools.
Phase 5: System maintenance
Finally, after testing, the software will be maintained and rechecked to see if the software’s functions operate stably or not. The maintenance process takes place regularly and is integrated into command sets to help increase working efficiency and improve the effectiveness of automation commands in subsequent cycles.
5. What does an Automation Tester need to do to complete his job well?
Automation Testers need to accumulate a lot of professional knowledge and soft skills to complete the job well. Source: tech.cybozu.vn
The Automation Tester position has recently been a job that attracted many candidates. To be able to meet the goals of this job, Testers need to have in-depth knowledge of information technology as well as hone their skills.
Here are some skills that Automation Testers need to have:
- Have in-depth knowledge of test object recognition, HTML, and XPath.
- Understand programming principles and be proficient in at least two programming languages or more such as Java, and Python…
- Learn more about the basics of SQL and XML.
- In addition, you also need to learn and master knowledge of Coding and Software design patterns.
In addition to these skills, Testers also need to continuously update their knowledge about automation and be careful in every step of handling work, especially when exchanging and confirming information with customers.
Conclude
The above article is all information about automation testing, its advantages and disadvantages, the actual testing process as well as some professional skills that Automation Testers need to handle testing work. Hopefully, this will be the necessary knowledge you are looking for.
BAP Software is currently also providing services related to automation and information technology. If your enterprise needs to use this service, please contact us immediately. When you come to BAP, you will not only be consulted by a team of dedicated staff but also have the opportunity to experience high-quality technology services at our company. BAP Software is always ready to serve customers anytime, anywhere!
