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How To Design An Effective Test Automation Framework

In the domain of software testing, the business community, as well as clients, are gaining a high reputation for understanding the advantages of the implementation of the framework of test automation. Test automation framework is known to play an integral role in determining the failure or success of software automation.

Hence, it is essential to understand what a test automation framework is, the best practices that need to be followed to develop a test automation framework, etc. This write-up comprises the insights which help to develop an out of the ordinary framework for test automation:

What is Test Automation?

In the software industry, test automation is recognized as the process to conduct software testing with the aid of different test automation tools. Different kinds of test automation tools are available in the market which can be open source as well as licensed versions.

Few of the well-renowned test automation tools include Finesse, Rational Functional Tester of IBM, Selenium, and Unified Functional Testing of HP. Before the initiation of test automation, it is recommended to choose the services of software QA experts for the creation of a test automation framework, which will bestow support to the process of software testing.

It is also beneficial in bringing an improvement in the quality of the process of software testing. Thus, the test automation framework helps the companies, by offering Test automation services in performing automated software testing effectively.

Design of Test Automation framework

Speaking generally, a framework contributes to being a conceptual or real structure that is useful in offering guidance or support to the business organization which might expand the future. It has turned out to be a widely accepted practice in the software domain which is known to follow the set of frameworks or standards that might be beneficial in the execution of different software projects successfully.

In the simplest terms, the test automation framework refers to the set of the standards, interactions as well as processes between different components in which the scripts are known to be designed as well as executed.

Here is a list of integral factors, which a tester needs to consider at the time of development of a test automation framework

  • Development of libraries
  • Handling the data and scripts separately
  • Lesser maintenance
  • Providing higher extensibility
  • Following the coding standards
  • Frameworks and script version control
  • Handling data and scripts in a separate manner

It is a prerequisite to separate the automated test scripts clearly from the store of the input data. Hence, no modifications are necessary for the test scripts with the change in the data from different input values.

Coding Standards

It is a must to maintain the scripting standards across the framework of test automation as it will be discouraging the coding practices. It will also prevent the maintenance of code uniformity on an immense scale and thus it will be easy for the interpretation of the software developers and testers.

Library

A library needs to be consisting of different external connections like generic functions, databases, application functions, etc. They should also consist of a plethora of reusable components. Thus, the software tester requires exposing them to the implemented libraries. Also, the software testing processes need to be exposed to the specific libraries, which have been implemented. Thus, the tests need to be performed by invoking these specific libraries.

Scripts or Framework version

It is possible to maintain the versions of the scripts or frameworks in the versioning tool or local repository which is beneficial in tracking any changes in the code of the software.

Maintenance and Extensibility

A good test automation framework should be capable of offering support to all kinds of new enhancements to the application software. It will also enable the modification or alteration of the in-built or existing features. For instance, it is possible to create a reusable library that will be useful in increasing the features of the application with the least support.

Here are the steps; you need to follow the designing an effective test automation framework

The creation of wrapper methods is considered to be a great choice for the extension of the features of the library. One prominent instance of the extension of the wrapper process is enabling the logging capabilities. It also plays an integral role in handling the errors in Selenium properly.

Implementation of Custom logger

To run different cases for conducting software testing successfully, it is essential to log the activity information into the file. The extra information is known to be used as a reference for test runs and future audits. Hence, it is a prerequisite to implementing the logging framework and custom the same for the requirement.

Opting for the Right Design pattern

Selecting the right design pattern offers the best practice to create the test framework. It also provides a boost to the development of test cases. In addition to this, it is also beneficial in the prevention of minor issues which might create major issues and bring an improvement in the readability of the code.

Separation of the Tests from automation framework

It is essential to separate the automation framework from the test script logic.

Developing a Proper folder structure for the code

It is necessary to define the folder structure to enhance the readability of the code.

Separation of Web services, UI, and databases

The separation of concerns is considered to be the most crucial principle in the design of the framework. Hence, it is essential to create an extra layer for databases, API, web services, and UI, within the framework which is beneficial in avoiding the clutter. At times, the pattern of the testing designs is not sufficient for covering the additional layer in the architecture of the framework. Hence, it is recommended to build an extra layer.

At present, the test automation framework is recognized to be a vital component of the life cycle of software testing for different businesses. Such software development service provides a higher range of different functional testing solutions which ensure consistent and prompt performance.

Written By

Stella is a Content Writer and Digital Marketing Analyst with a demonstrated history of working in the Tech industry. She has written articles on software testing services, big data, analytics and latest trends in the tech world. She likes to try different cuisines and travelling to new places.

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