One key decision that teams face is whether to employ automated or manual testing—or a combination of both—to validate their software. Each approach has its strengths and limitations, and the choice between them often depends on factors like the nature of the tests, the complexity of the application, and the resources available. In this article, we will explore the key factors to consider when choosing automation testing tools and review some popular tools used in the industry.
Automated tests vs manual tests
Automated tests
When deciding whether a test should be automated, several factors come into play. Understanding these factors helps ensure that the investment in automation yields the best returns in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and overall value. Here are the most important considerations:
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Repeatable
Tests that need to be run multiple times, especially across different environments or after every code change, are ideal candidates for automation. Repeatable tests benefit from automation because they save time and reduce the risk of human error. Automated tests can be executed consistently, ensuring that the same steps are followed every time, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the testing process.
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Determinant
A test is considered determinant if it produces the same result every time it is run under the same conditions. Determinant tests are well-suited for automation because they are predictable and reliable. Automation tools can repeatedly execute these tests with confidence that the results will accurately reflect the state of the software, allowing teams to quickly identify any deviations or issues.
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Repetitive or Tedious
When performed manually, repetitive or tedious tests are often time-consuming and prone to human error. Automating these types of tests can free up valuable time for testers, allowing them to focus on more complex and creative aspects of testing. Automation not only speeds up the process but also ensures that repetitive tasks are performed consistently, improving the overall reliability of the testing process.
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Business-Critical
Business-critical tests validate essential software functions or features that directly impact the end-user or the business. These tests must be executed flawlessly to ensure that key functionalities work as expected. Automating business-critical tests ensures that they are run quickly and accurately whenever needed, such as during a build or before a release, minimizing the risk of costly errors or downtime in production.
Manual tests
While automation can greatly enhance the efficiency and consistency of testing, there are certain scenarios where manual testing remains the better approach. Here are the key types of tests that are challenging to automate and are best handled manually:
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Constantly Changing
Tests that involve constantly changing features or environments are difficult to automate because the test scripts would need to be frequently updated to reflect these changes. Automation works best when the elements being tested are stable and predictable. If a feature or interface is undergoing continuous development, manual testing allows for more flexibility and adaptability, enabling testers to quickly adjust their approach based on the latest updates without the overhead of modifying automation scripts.
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One-off or Ad-hoc Tests
One-off or ad-hoc tests are typically executed in response to specific, immediate needs, such as investigating a bug, verifying a last-minute change, or exploring a new feature’s behavior. These tests are often unique and not intended to be repeated regularly, making them unsuitable for automation. Manual testing is more efficient for these scenarios because it allows testers to apply their judgment and creativity to explore the software in ways that automation tools cannot easily replicate.
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Evolving Features
When a feature is still evolving, its requirements, design, and functionality may change frequently. Automating tests for such features can be counterproductive because the test scripts might become outdated as soon as the feature changes, leading to high maintenance costs and potential inaccuracies. Manual testing is more appropriate for these situations, as it enables testers to quickly adapt to changes, explore the new aspects of the feature, and provide immediate feedback to developers without the need to constantly rewrite or adjust automation scripts.
Some Automation Testing Tools
Object-based identification:
- Appium
- Cypress
- Selenium
Image-based identification:
- Katalon Studio
- TestComplete
- Waldo
Others:
- Postman
- Pytest
Automation Testing Tools Feature
Script Creation Methods
Object Identification
- Reliability: As long as the identifier is constant, the screen layout can be changed
- User Experience: Usually, manual scripting is required
- Execution Speed: Tends to be faster than Image Identification
- Maintenance: Depends on the quality of the test scripts
- Authoring Challenge: Knowledge required of the scripting language
Image Identification (Recorders)
- Reliability: Images can be scaled according to screen size, but the test will fail as soon as the layout changes
- User Experience: Full GUI-based testing without the need for scripting
- Execution Speed: Tends to be slower due to the need to compare the screen pixel by pixel with baseline images
- Maintenance: Mainly in providing changed baseline images
- Authoring Challenge: Generation of baseline images, especially when software changes often
Main Principles for Tool Inclusion
Evaluation of the QA process:
Before selecting any tool, it’s important to thoroughly evaluate the existing QA process. Understanding your current testing workflows, methodologies, and challenges will help you identify what you need from an automation tool. This evaluation involves assessing the types of tests you run, the frequency of those tests, and the existing bottlenecks or inefficiencies in your manual testing process. The goal is to ensure that the tool will enhance, not complicate, your QA efforts.
Requirements Definition:
Clearly defining the requirements for your automation tool is essential. This step involves outlining what you expect from the tool in terms of functionality, ease of use, supported platforms, and compatibility with your existing technology stack. Consider whether you need a tool that supports multiple languages, integrates with your CI/CD pipeline, or offers specific testing capabilities like mobile testing, API testing, or cross-browser compatibility. Having a detailed list of requirements ensures that the tool you choose meets your specific needs.
Tools Evaluation:
Once the requirements are defined, the next step is to evaluate potential tools against these criteria. This evaluation should include hands-on testing of the tools to assess their ease of use, reliability, and performance. Consider how well the tools integrate with your existing systems, how easy they are to configure and maintain, and whether they offer the necessary features to support your testing strategies. This stage often involves comparing several tools to determine which one offers the best balance of functionality, usability, and cost.
Vendor Evaluation:
The vendor’s reputation, support services, and ongoing development are critical factors to consider. Evaluate the vendor’s history of product updates, customer support responsiveness, and the availability of a strong user community or knowledge base. This principle ensures that the tool will be well-supported over its lifespan and that the vendor is committed to maintaining and improving the product. A reliable vendor can provide crucial assistance during the implementation and ongoing use of the tool.
Training Needs Evaluation:
Adopting a new tool often requires training your team to use it effectively. Evaluate the training needs associated with each tool, including the availability of documentation, tutorials, and hands-on training sessions. Consider the learning curve for your team and whether the vendor provides adequate resources to facilitate smooth adoption. This principle ensures that your team can quickly become proficient with the tool, maximizing its effectiveness and minimizing the disruption to your testing process.
Cost-benefit Analysis:
Finally, perform a cost-benefit analysis to determine whether the investment in the tool is justified. This analysis should consider the upfront costs, such as licensing fees, as well as ongoing costs, like maintenance, training, and support. Weigh these costs against the expected benefits, including increased testing efficiency, improved test coverage, and reduced time to market. The goal is to select a tool that offers the best return on investment (ROI) by significantly improving your QA process without exceeding your budget.
By following these principles, you can make an informed decision when selecting automation testing tools, ensuring they align with your project’s goals and contribute to the overall success of your software development efforts.