Why Do We Need Framework for Test Automation?

Today, we put a spotlight on the intriguing concept of the “Test Automation Framework” and its importance.

The simple response: It’s akin to having a map for navigation and a blueprint before erecting a building.

Not quite persuaded?

In order to comprehend why a Test Automation Framework is essential, let’s delve a little deeper.

Automation can be complex and challenging, both technically and economically. It’s most beneficial in cases where numerous tests need to be repeatedly conducted over multiple test cycles. Always, Automation Testing complements or supplements Manual Testing. However, it should never completely take its place.

As test practitioners, we understand that the triumph of any testing endeavor, be it Manual or Automation, largely depends on meticulous planning. Conventionally, we allocate about 1/3 of the overall testing effort to planning.

Planning typically encompasses two main areas – managerial aspects like schedules, deadlines, personnel information, etc., and technical information related to testing, such as deliverables, the number of cycles, tools, data, etc. In an automation project, a framework is the backbone. It provides a technical implementation guide as well as manages the project.

The following three technical components are integral in an Automation project:

1. Code-Script
2. Data
3. Objects and their definitions within the AUT

The financial elements associated with the Manual Testing team include:

1. Tool-licensing: This may also encompass licenses for any additional Add-ins needed for the specific AUT
2. Specialized staff
3. Time – in terms of man-hours exerted
4. Infrastructure (which could include anything, from an automation tester’s workspace to other physical provisions.)
5. A Test Management tool, if applicable

When we struggle to secure approval for testing, it becomes extremely difficult to emphasize the significance of automation unless a successful outcome is assured.

In essence, we have to iron out all the details and guarantee success before engaging in automation. A well-structured framework provides a stable foundation for setting solid operations and ensuring no failures.

While we grasp the economic aspects, it is evident that investment should be ensured to remain a successful venture.

What Makes Test Automation Framework Necessary?

Let’s aim to gain a better understanding of the technical aspect:

A well-constructed automation script should launch the AUT, provide data, execute operations, iterate/repeat as instructed, validate, close the AUT, report findings, and finally exit. This is indeed a tall order!

A script that can achieve all this can dramatically shorten execution and reporting time (particularly when linked to a test management tool) to just a few milliseconds, compared to minutes or even hours. This assures zero oversight or typographical errors, and an overall increase in efficiency.

However, consider the time required to write a flawless script that accomplishes everything – understanding the test objective, formulating a solution, implementing it in code, customization, debugging, and finalizing.

As you can see, the most time-consuming element lies in creating the test script. The more efficient and time-conserving the automation scripts, the higher the probability of success.

A simple example:

#1) Gmail.com is the AUT.

#2) Features to test:

• Compose email
• Create contacts
• Receive an email

#3) Automation testers – assuming each tester is working on one feature

While this may seem like a rudimentary example, it’s our belief that every concept can be broken down into easily digestible pieces. After all, even the earth is composed of tiny atoms.

Generally, the scripts should have code that performs the following operations:

• Compose Email: Gmail.com launch -> Login authorization -> Compose email -> Write content, add attachments (email parameters) -> Send email -> Log out
• Create Contacts: Gmail.com launch -> Login authorization -> Select contacts -> Create contact -> Save -> Log out
• Receive Email: Gmail.com launch -> Login authorization -> Check email -> Read email -> Log out

These scripts should all be tested for multiple users with various parameters in each operation.

The following components repeat or recur, as observed from the above depictions:

• Gmail.com launch
• Login authorization
• Log out

Effort and time can be considerably reduced by creating these components once and making them reusable for all other tests as needed. Being able to create once, debug once, finalize once, and reuse numerous times promotes efficiency.

Reusable components also ensure that changes can be made centrally.

For instance, if the gmail.com homepage changes (the first component in every script), each script (3 in our case) wouldn’t need to be individually modified. Instead, the change can be made once (in the reusable component), and all other scripts that use it will automatically employ the centrally changed code. This not only minimizes rework but also ensures uniformly executed changes.

Moreover, automation scripts identify elements on the AUT based on stored definitions/properties. This is another distinct advantage of automation scripts. Where multiple scripts access the same object, there’s no need to recreate it each time.

Having a central repository with object definitions instead of several small local repositories can greatly enhance efficiency.

In summary – by maximizing reusability, resources such as the Code and Objects can be optimized. When components are made reusable:

• They must be created sequentially
• They must be assigned identifiable names that are contextual
• They must be stored in a location that is accessible for all other scripts.

All this information pertaining to the implementation of these factors forms part of a framework.

In conclusion, the Data. One option is to hardcode your data into the code/script, which would require the creation of a new script every time new data needs to be supplied. The solution, separate the data from the code. Maximize code reuse and supply data separately. Again, where would you find details on implementing this decision? Framework.

In determining the organization of your automation project to enhance outcomes, the framework plays a significant role. Apart from the aforementioned, a framework provides guidelines for executing scripts, where to store results, and how to display them, etc.

In essence, the Test Automation framework is your complete strategic plan that can guide you to your destination. So, don’t be caught without one.

About the author: This piece is penned by STH team member Swati S.

I trust this article decoded the automation framework for all readers. Feel free to share your thoughts, comments, and queries on this subject below.