Automation testing is a process that employs software tools to execute tests on systems in an automated manner. Its goal is to verify functionality, identify errors, and potential defects that may occur in the system.
Tests are conducted through the creation and automated execution of scripts or test cases to check if a software is functioning as expected. With test automation, it is possible to simulate user interactions, data verification, and regularly assess the results.
This eliminates the need for manual testing, accelerating the process and ensuring greater consistency in results. Test automation contributes to efficiency, cost savings, and early detection of issues during the software development process. It also reduces manual workload, allowing the workforce to focus on more complex and creative aspects of testing.
When should I implement automation testing?
Test automation should be implemented when your team aims to ensure the quality and integrity of the product being developed, especially in large-scale applications.
With automated tests, the likelihood of releasing a stable product is higher. However, before automation, it is essential to ensure that the software is relatively stable and operational. If the code is still undergoing frequent changes, it is advisable to start with manual testing until stability is achieved.
Finally, remember that test automation should be complemented with manual testing, as using both strategies provides more effective coverage.
💡Learn more: Python RPA and the culture of automation.
Advantages of automation testing
Test automation brings greater efficiency to the software testing process with a significant impact on development speed, reducing the need for manual intervention. It allows testers to dedicate their time to more strategic activities, impacting the final quality and success of the product by reducing susceptibility to human errors.
Additionally, test execution time decreases significantly, resulting in shorter test cycles and time savings for the team. The time saved from manual testing can be allocated to other tasks, such as improving the application and developing new features for the software, leading to a significant increase in productivity.
Another advantage is that automation scripts developed can be used in different parts of the same project, resulting in less effort in creating new test cases.
After implementation, automation allows for early detection of defects, reducing the time and resources needed to fix them.
Finally, automated tests play a crucial role in consistently maintaining software security standards, ensuring a uniform approach. This rigor is essential for the product to comply with the requirements established by the LGPD (General Data Protection Law) and other legal obligations.
Automation testing Tools
Below, we have compiled a list of the main test automation tools. Check it out:
1. BotCity
BotCity is a platform focused on Robotic Process Automation (RPA). However, it is possible to configure test automation in a personalized way according to your company’s needs.
The platform provides automation orchestration tools and Python RPA automation frameworks that support the automation of your product’s tests. With the BotCity Orchestrator, you can develop automated tests in pure RPA code using different programming languages, leveraging the BotCity Studio with computer vision support.
Furthermore, you can utilize the BotCity Orchestrator to enable your team to deploy different versions of your robot for test automation and manage versions and releases separately from production.
Lastly, the orchestrator can be used to manage the execution of test automation robots. This allows your team to handle logs, error tracking, success rates, and various other tasks.
BotCity’s Python frameworks enable the construction of navigation flows in any system, infrastructure, or application.
An example of this is Teorema Sistemas, a company that significantly improved software quality. The company created robots that navigate through all screens of its systems. When an error is detected, a ticket is opened for the development team to address the issue.
By using BotCity for test automation, the company achieved a 50% reduction in tickets related to common errors in its systems.
💡Learn more: Python RPA and the culture of automation
2. Selenium
Selenium is a free and open-source test automation tool for web applications. With it, you can simulate user actions to verify if the behavior occurs as expected.
It is a popular choice among developers due to its flexibility and support for multiple programming languages such as Java, Python, C#, Ruby, and JavaScript. Additionally, it supports various browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, among others.
3. Robot Framework
Robot Framework is a versatile tool for test automation that uses an easy-to-read tabular language. It allows testing at various levels, from unit to acceptance.
Moreover, it stands out for its versatility, enabling it to be used in different phases of the software development life cycle.
4. Robotium
Robotium is a test automation framework specifically designed for Android applications. It allows the simulation of user interactions to identify potential operational errors.
One of its significant advantages is a simple and easy-to-use API, facilitating the creation of test scripts for developers with less experience in test automation.
All set on automation testing?
We hope this article has clarified that test automation is currently a strategic necessity and not just a modern and efficient practice. Conducting tests consistently saves valuable time and resources while significantly enhancing the quality of the final product.
So, if you want to boost your results, it’s worth exploring BotCity’s RPA orchestrator. Click here to speak with an expert!
Or, if you’re taking the first steps in robotic process automation (RPA), feel free to sign up for BotCity for free right now!
BotCity offers a free Python code assistant for RPA automation, along with over 30 RPA frameworks for common automation use cases.
