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Test Automation in a Nutshell
Introduction
In today’s world of increasing software complexity, organizations
require robust strategies for achieving enhanced speed of
test execution at a lower cost. Test Automation helps organizations
to achieve this quality goal. This article is aimed at highlighting
the salient aspects of Test Automation in a nutshell.
Facts
Test Automation is a long-term investment. The benefits
of Automation are generally reaped over multiple test cycles.
The strategy to automate should be derived scientifically
after careful analysis. ROI calculation enables scientific
forecast of the outcome of Automation. Achieving early returns
on the Automation investment should be one of the prime
objectives of Automation.
Test Automation can yield significant results and help organizations
align themselves towards their quality goals. However, organizations
fail to derive positive returns from their Automation programs
because they either misconstrue Test Automation or expect
unrealistic results.
Some of the facts about Test Automation are:
- Test Automation is neither a complete replacement
to manual testing nor a tool for labor reduction
- Existence of a matured testing program is the prerequisite
for Test Automation
- Test Automation should be considered as a project
by itself – It has sub activities such as
- Development, documentation and testing of automation
test scripts
- Maintenance of automation test scripts
- Test Automation yields cost benefits, but not immediately
Test Automation Considerations
Test Automation proves to be an effective supplement to
the manual testing process. However, not every test can
be automated. Test Automation may be considered when:
- The application is stable
- The application developed is expected to undergo multiple
iterations
- Test cases chosen for automation are executed frequently
- Test cases selected for automation do not require
manual intervention during test execution
- Newer releases of the testing tool to cope with changes
in technology are available. Good vendor support for
the tool is an important point to consider
Benefits
Some of the benefits of automated testing are:
- Repeatability
- Cost effectiveness
- Reduced test cycle time
- Intangible benefits - Reduced tedium among employees,
improved job satisfaction and so on
Disadvantages
The major drawbacks of automated testing are:
- Test Automation requires initial cost outlays
- Test Automation requires test engineers skilled in
automation tools
Conclusion
Successful automation requires efficient manual testing
process. Test automation provides significant benefits in
terms of savings in execution cycle time. Organization should
qualify the right program to automate and quantify the perceived
benefits before venturing in Test Automation.
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