Automation testing involves frameworks that include test frameworks and guidelines to execute tests faster than manual testing. There are multiple automation frameworks available. Depending upon the application's complexity, the number of test cases, and the available resources, the QA team needs to decide the framework type.
The following post delves deep into the multiple automation frameworks.
Linear Framework
The linear automation framework is the fundamental framework that is very commonly used. It is primarily used for testing small applications and is easy to understand. The test scripts are executed one after the other, following a particular sequence. Testers usually implement the framework to analyze a particular software feature or functionality.
It is also referred to as a record and playback framework, as the testers record all steps like navigation and user inputs. These steps or tests are then played back to understand their efficiencies.
Moreover, the test scripts are executed individually, following a particular sequence. The method follows an incremental approach, where every new software interaction will be added to the test process.
So, the process is not very complex for inexperienced testers to handle and master.
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Drawbacks
Here's an example of linear-driven framework.
The TestModule is responsible for setting up the Selenium WebDriver and performing a specific sequence of actions on the website. This approach is simple and easy to use for straightforward test cases, but may become unwieldy for more complex test cases.
Modular-Based Testing Framework
The modular testing framework enables the tester to follow the “divide and conquer” approach. So, the tester can test each application section separately by dividing it into multiple modules. The process can be suitable for complex applications with many features to analyze.
In some cases, testers need to break down or divide the entire software according to the client's requirements. A linear framework will not be advantageous in such situations, but a modular framework will be ideal. So, the application will be divided into separate modules, which will be tested individually.
The tester will develop an individual test script for each module and combine the test with building a larger test representing the entire software. The process involves multiple steps such as test case generation, test execution report generation, and defect logging.
Moreover, after the tester has written a function library, it is possible to store a test script. Particular adjustments or modifications can be made to this included script, so the entire app need not be modified. These features improve the convenience for both developers and testers.
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Let's consider the 'MainTest' class is the main entry point that calls different modules (in this case, 'LoginModule' and 'SearchModule') to perform specific tasks. Each module is responsible for setting up the Selenium WebDriver and performing specific actions on the website.
Data-Driven Framework
A data-driven framework will be beneficial when professionals need to test a particular scenario or function having multiple data sets. Testing becomes simpler as the framework separates the internal test logic from the data set.
This framework does not have data hard-coded into the test scripts, which is the primary difference between a modular and linear framework. So, when testers need to test a particular application feature multiple times, data decoupling becomes essential.
It comprises the following steps -
For example, a data-driven framework can help test the functionalities of a website login page. In this process, the tester will create a test data file that will contain the inputs for the driver script. It will also contain the expected output and results in a separate table. Then, the input values and the operators will then be tested by the driver or test script.
After comparing the expected results with the actual results received, the tester concludes the web page's functionality and efficiency. QED42’s open-source product, Headway, is a data-driven framework built using Selenium, Testng and Java.
Benefits
Drawbacks
Keyword Driven Automation Framework
The data and test script logic is separated in a keyword-driven framework. The data is stored externally, and every software function is included in a separate table. Moreover, specific keywords are assigned to particular actions used for GUI testing.
These keywords are arranged in a different table and represent GUI actions like click, log in or hyperlink. These are stored step-by-step and are associated with an object or area of the UI being tested.
This is the major strength of the framework, as it makes the separate keyboards entities connected to functions. Testers write code to invoke a particular keyword-based action, and the corresponding test script will be executed.
The key elements of any keyword-driven framework are –
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Here's an example of a keyword-driven framework in Java using Selenium. In this example, the MainTest class sets up test data in a HashMap and calls the KeywordModule to perform actions based on the keywords in the test data.
Hybrid Test Automation Framework
A hybrid test automation framework is a combination of multiple testing frameworks. Depending on a particular framework is not the best option for most testing projects. A hybrid framework leverages the strengths of numerous frameworks to execute tests properly.
It can be a combination of keyword-driven and data-driven frameworks. So, the test data and keywords can be externally stored. The test data can be stored in an excel file, and the keywords can be stored in a particular Java file.
The hybrid framework enables testers to experiment and combine other frameworks to suit the testing requirements. The scalable approach supports different testing environments and improves application efficiency.
Benefits
Drawbacks
Summing Up
Automation testing frameworks make the testing process smoother and allow testers to analyze the app thoroughly. By helping in bug detection and improving efficiency, these frameworks will boost the app deployment process. So, testers must select the automation framework according to their project or application requirements.
Testing frameworks must be selected according to the technical experience and expertise of the testers. Factors such as scalability, flexibility, and speed also need to be considered.
For instance, a linear framework does not need custom coding, but a hybrid framework will require coding expertise. Thus, careful consideration and interactions with senior professionals might be necessary for choosing a testing framework.
Headway is available for download on GitHub. Check out some of our automation strategy and testing work with global enterprises to know in detail how Headway minimizes risks and ensures impeccable quality at speed, helping our clients with faster go-to-market.