Driving QA Success with Test Automation Best Practices

The relentless pressure to deliver flawless software at breakneck speed is a constant battle for QA teams worldwide. Automated testing promises to tip the scales, offering faster and potentially cost-effective testing cycles. 

However, is test automation the right choice? This blog will explore test automation to help answer critical questions, including what it is, the benefits it brings, and the test automation best practices. Let’s jump right in! 

What is test automation? 

Test automation is a sophisticated testing methodology with specialized software to execute predefined test cases. Unlike manual testing, where a tester uses a mobile phone or computer to examine the application meticulously, automated testing utilizes tools to build test cases efficiently.  

In fact, in recent years, automation testing has garnered considerable attention. Industry forecasts anticipate its value to soar to $68 billion by 2025, underscoring a pivotal juncture in its expansive development. 

What are the benefits of automation testing?

Integrating test automation software enables Quality Assurance (QA) teams to simultaneously execute numerous test cases, enhancing their ability to detect issues that could impact the user experience. This approach streamlines the testing process and significantly improves the accuracy and scope of testing outcomes. 

 Moreover, test automation serves as a mechanism to monitor changes within applications, thereby minimizing regression efforts efficiently. In addition to this fundamental advantage, test automation yields many benefits, including expanding test coverage, reducing execution time, optimizing resource allocation, and cutting costs. It also provides invaluable, real-time feedback to QA teams, advancing the efficacy of the entire application development lifecycle. 

 However, despite its advantages, improper implementation of test automation can lead to detrimental outcomes. Therefore, planning is paramount when crafting the test implementation suite. Assessing the architecture and formulating a testing strategy to maximize efficiency is imperative. In the following section, we will explore the best practices for test automation and how they are fundamental to a software testing strategy. 

Test Automation Best Practices 

There are several test automation best practices, some of which include identifying the proper tests to automate, utilizing the right tools and framework, and keeping records for testing analysis. By following these best practices, enterprises are more likely to achieve better testing outcomes, reduce costs, enhance efficiency, and accelerate the delivery of high-quality software products. Let’s examine these best practices in more detail. 

1. Choosing Tests to Automate 

Choosing which tests to automate is a strategic decision that requires careful consideration. Not all tests are suitable for automation, especially those that rely heavily on human judgment. Therefore, the first step in creating a test automation plan is to identify and prioritize the tests that will yield the most significant benefits from automation. 

 When selecting automation tests, it is essential to look for specific prerequisites that indicate they are well-suited for automation. These prerequisites include:  

• Tests that involve performing the same action multiple times with large amounts of data 
• Tests that are more likely to result in human error 
• Tests that require the usage of various data sets 
• Tests extending across several builds 
• Tests that need to run on various platforms, hardware, or operating system configurations 
• Tests that focus on frequently used functions 

2. Structure Assignments According to Competency Levels 

Efficiency and precision in test automation suite creation rely heavily on segmenting tasks according to skill levels. By assigning specific responsibilities to team members based on their technical expertise, teams can streamline the process and ensure the accurate execution of each task. 

For instance, matching test suite development tasks with team members possessing the required expertise enhances the creation of test automation scripts. However, complexities arise when utilizing open-source tools, necessitating the involvement of skilled coders familiar with the tool. Strategic allocation of tasks optimizes efficiency and accuracy in test case development. 

3. Cultivate a Team-Centric Approach to Quality Testing 

There are more effective approaches than relying on a single tester or engineer to handle the entire automation testing process. With the whole team’s involvement throughout the process, it becomes easier to make meaningful contributions.  

Team-wide participation is crucial for successfully integrating automation into the testing framework. Fostering a culture where every team member is well-versed in the process can facilitate transparent communication and enable informed decision-making regarding the establishment and execution of appropriate tests. 

4. Eliminate Uncertainty 

The fundamental aim of automation is to ensure dependable and precise test outcomes. When a test fails, testers must identify the root cause of the failure. However, as the number of false positives and irregularities increases, so does the time expended on error analysis. 

 To counteract this, it is imperative to eradicate uncertainty by excluding unstable tests from regression suites. Moreover, automated tests may overlook critical verifications due to obsolescence. Mitigate this risk through meticulous test planning before test execution. It is essential to continuously evaluate the relevance and accuracy of all tests. Automated tests must undergo rigorous examination for sanity and validity throughout all testing phases. 

5. Select the Appropriate Automated Test Framework or Tool  

Automation testing hinges on the selection of suitable tools. Here are vital considerations for making the right choice: 

• Software Nature: Assess whether the software under test is web-based or mobile-based. Test automation with Selenium stands out as a reliable option for web applications. Conversely, Appium emerges as a top contender for mobile applications. 
• Programmer Proficiency: Choose frameworks, languages, and tools that align with testers’ expertise and familiarity. Languages like Java, JavaScript, Ruby, and C# are widely favored in automation testing circles. 
• Open Source vs. Commercial: Consider budgetary constraints when deciding between open-source and commercial tools. While open-source solutions like Selenium and Appium present cost-effective alternatives, they often rival their commercial counterparts in functionality and reliability. Selenium WebDriver, an open-source tool, notably enjoys widespread acclaim among automated testers globally. 

6. Validate on Actual Devices 

Testing on real devices is essential for optimal performance across diverse platforms. With over 9000 unique devices accessing the Internet worldwide, websites must be compatible with various viewports, resolutions, and device-browser-OS combinations. Emulators and simulators cannot accurately replicate actual user conditions.  

Genuine device testing ensures functionality under real-world circumstances like low battery and weak network strength. Consider cloud-based solutions to access authentic devices if an in-house lab is unavailable. Launching a website without genuine device testing risks exposing users to preventable bugs, leading to user loss and disruptions in the user experience. 

7. Enhance Debugging Efficiency through Record-Keeping 

Maintaining detailed records is paramount for effective debugging. In case of test failures, preserving comprehensive records with failure details and text and video logs of unsuccessful scenarios is crucial. Documentation aids testers in pinpointing the root causes efficiently. 

Opting for a testing tool with automated browser screenshot preservation enhances debugging by swiftly identifying error occurrences. Additionally, rigorous bug-tracking and reporting protocols are essential for comprehensive documentation of encountered issues, facilitating future analysis and resolution. 

8. Utilize Data-Driven Testing 

When faced with analyzing multiple data points concurrently, relying solely on manual testing becomes impractical. The vast volume of data coupled with numerous variables renders it unfeasible for human testers to conduct swift and flawless tests. Adopting data-driven automated tests condenses the process into a singular test and data set. Consequently, this simplifies navigating through an assortment of data parameters. 

 9. Adopt Early and Consistent Testing 

Maximizing test automation benefits necessitates initiating tests at the onset of the sprint development lifecycle and conducting tests with frequency proportional to the project’s demands. This proactive approach enables testers to detect and rectify emerging bugs promptly. Undoubtedly, this practice significantly economizes the time and resources expended to rectify defects in subsequent development stages or during production. 

10. Prioritize Comprehensive and High-Quality Test Reporting 

The essence of automation lies in alleviating the burden on test automation QA teams to verify test outcomes manually. Establishing a robust reporting framework equipped with appropriate tools facilitates the generation of exhaustive and refined reports for each test. If feasible, categorize tests based on criteria such as type, functionality, tags, and results. A thorough test summary report should be compiled after each testing cycle. 

Conclusion 

Every application, regardless of its complexity, typically entails unique testing requirements tailored to the specific needs of the development team. Each team operates differently, meaning there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.