What is Automation testing and List of Automation Testing Tools

What is Automation testing ?

Automation testing which is also known as Test Automation, is when the tester writes scripts and uses another software to test the software. This process involves automation of a manual process. Automation Testing is used to re-run the test scenarios that were performed manually, quickly and repeatedly.

Apart from regression testing, Automation testing is also used to test the application from load, performance and stress point of view. It increases the test coverage; improve accuracy, saves time and money in comparison to manual testing.

What to automate ?

It is not possible to automate everything in the Software; however the areas at which user can make transactions such as login form or registration forms etc, any area where large amount of users. can access the Software simultaneously should be automated.

Furthermore all GUI items, connections with databases, field validations etc can be efficiently tested by automating the manual process.

When to automate ?

• Test Automation should be uses by considering the following for the Software:
• Large and critical projects.
• Projects that require testing the same areas frequently.
• Requirements not changing frequently.
• Accessing the application for load and performance with many virtual users.
• Stable Software with respect to manual testing.
• Availability of time.

How to automate ?

Automation is done by using a supportive computer language like vb scripting and an automated software application. There are a lot of tools available which can be use to write automation scripts. Before mentioning the tools lets identify the process which can be used to automate the testing:

• Identifying areas within a software for automation.
• Selection of appropriate tool for Test automation.
• Writing Test scripts.
• Development of Test suits.
• Execution of scripts.
• Create result reports.
• Identify any potential bug or performance issue.
• Software testing tools

List of Automation Testing Tools :

• HP Quick Test Professional
• Selenium
• IBM Rational Functional Tester
• Silk Test
• Test Complete
• Testing Anywhere
• Win Runner - Click to see WinRunner Automation Testing Interview Questions
• Load Runner
• Visual Studio Test Professional
• WATIR

Benefits of Automated Testing

• Reliable: Tests perform precisely the same operations each time they are run, thereby eliminating human errors.
• Repeatable: You can test how the software reacts under repeated execution of the same operations.
• Programmable: You can program sophisticated tests that bring out hidden information from the application.
• Comprehensive: You can build a suite of tests that covers every feature in your application.
• Reusable: You can reuse tests on different versions of an application, even if the users interface changes.
• Better Quality Software: You can run more tests in less time with fewer resources.
• Fast: Automated tools run tests significantly faster than human users.
• Cost Reduction: The cost is reduced as the number of resources for regression test is reduced.
• Choosing the right tools for the job and targeting the right areas of the organization to deploy them can only realize these benefits. The right areas where the automation fit must be chosen.

Disadvantages of Automation Testing

Though the automation testing has many advantages, it has its own disadvantages too. Some of the disadvantages are:

• Proficiency is required to write the automation test scripts.
• Debugging the test script is major issue. If any error is present in the test script, sometimes it may lead to deadly consequences.
• Test maintenance is costly in case of playback methods. Even though a minor change occurs in the GUI, the test script has to be re-recorded or replaced by a new test script.
• Maintenance of test data files is difficult, if the test script tests more screens.

Some of the above disadvantages often cause damage to the benefit gained from the automated scripts. Though the automation testing has pros and corns, it is adapted widely all over the world.

Read more about Manual Testing and Manual Testing vs Automated testing