4 Advice to Choose a Automation software for beginners

03 Apr.,2024

 

4 Simple Steps to Select the Right Test Automation tool for your Project

by Faiz Shaikh

Common software testing types such as regression testing, functional testing, unit testing, integration testing, etc., are being replaced with systematic testing programs using automation tools. Today, Test Automation is being considered as the most effective way to enhance coverage, efficiency and effectiveness of any software application. It is redefining the way the engineers perform testing operations. Having said that, the toughest task for any project is to decide whether Test Automation is required or not. If yes, then what apparatus (tools & procedures) should be utilized. This altogether lays down the grounds for Automation to be considered as an alternate skill set by and large.

The IT market is brimming with automation tools, but not every tool suits your project prerequisites. One may need to closely examine the project specifics to choose the most appropriate tool. However, to analyze and zero-in to one tool that best fits a specific need is a big challenge.

While working on a specific project, a team at Saviant faced challenges with their existing test automation tool and had to find the one that best suited their needs. In order to do so, they formulated a strategic approach to choose the right automation tool. Let’s take a walk through their simple yet efficient approach to select the right automation tool for a project.

Step 1: Understand your project requirements thoroughly
Maintaining the quality of an application by delivering a bug-free product is crucial for the success of any project. Automated testing can help improve the quality of a project and increase scope & depth of the tests. For this, get a deep understanding of your project requirements such as project type (web/desktop/mobile), scope of the project, and existing team’s strength on code language before you start the process. There is no such tool that is good or bad but the ROI of any tool relies on the need, i.e. what precisely does one need to automate and what amount of test cases needs automation?

In our case, after thorough analysis of the project requirements by the consulting team, it was determined that both manual & automation testing will be a mandate to test the web, mobile and desktop application. Hence, they needed a tool that integrates seamlessly with their project planning & test management tools, and is easy to learn & simple to use.

Step 2: Consider your existing test automation tool as a benchmark
Our team considered Selenium Test Automation Tool as a benchmark to evaluate and determine the best automation tool for their project. The advantages and drawbacks of Selenium Web Driver framework need to be understood before evaluating other tools.

Selenium is a free, open source tool available to test web applications and websites. It provides record-playback tool to produce and record playback test scripts. It provides language support for C# Ruby, Java, JavaScript, Python, and Node.js but lacks proper customer support services. Testing teams leverage Selenium if they are comfortable with coding techniques and they test web applications through the UI. Maintenance would be a nightmare with Selenium for a solitary tester who must oversee both Manual & Automation Testing and may also need a full-time Developer for upkeep. Browser compatibility is the other challenge with this tool.

Step 3: Identify the key criteria suitable for a project
There are many key points one should consider before deciding the best-fit automation tool for a project. Here is the list of few key criteria that was used to evaluate the best tool in our case.

  • Ease of Developing and Maintaining the Scripts: Development & maintenance of test scripts should be as simple as possible to decrease the human and time resource utilization.
  • Ease of Test Execution for Non-Technical user: The test suite execution should be simple for any project member to run them easily as and when required. Also, it should be easy for manual testers who have very little or no technical knowledge.
  • Support to Web, Desktop & Mobile application: Leveraging 3 different tools for 3 types of platforms for test automation is a complicated task to handle. It is better to select a tool that supports all the three platforms.
  • Intuitive Test Report: Test reports build confidence and so the reports need to be intuitive and simple for the management team to understand easily.
  • Cross Browser Testing: Support to Cross browser testing is a must when there are multiple end-users and no particular browser restriction.
  • Support to Keyword & Data Driven Testing: Keyword driven testing acts as an extension to the data driven testing framework. When a project becomes complex, test framework needs to be extended.
  • Technical Support and Assistance: Automation Engineers definitely need help while handling critical problems of a project. The tool that provides technical support and assistance would be of great help.
  • Language Support like C#, Java, Python and others: Every test scenario cannot be recorded. In some cases, the tester must write the code. So, the tool that supports the required language to write the customized scripts would be helpful.
  • TFS DevOps integration with builds: Support to integrate with Continuous Integration tools for automated builds and deployments is necessary.
  • Pricing: Depending on the above qualities and project cost estimates, evaluate the cost difference among the other available automation tools.

Step 4: Leverage Pugh Matrix Technique for Analysis
Using few of the above key criteria as vital parameters, our team leveraged Pugh Matrix technique to choose the best tool for mid-scale web, desktop and mobile test automation. The below Pugh matrix demonstrates the pros and cons of various tools, such as Ranorex, Test Complete, Ghost Inspector, and Test Studio, keeping Selenium Web Driver as the benchmark. For the first parameter, i.e., ease of developing and maintaining the scripts, Selenium is considered as good (S) and we rated Ranorex, Test Complete, and Test Studio as better (+) than Selenium and Ghost Inspector as rated as worse (-). This shows that Ranorex, Test Complete, and Test Studio tools offers similar experience to develop & maintain scripts. Similarly, the team has rated all the other criteria to arrive to a conclusion. This grid has been devised on the basis of research and experience gained by working on the tools.

Analyzing the Results
In the matrix, Ranorex wins the race over Selenium, Test Complete, Test Studio, and Ghost Inspector. Ranorex is an intense and efficient tool for automation of web, desktop and mobile application. It provides exceptionally basic, simple to utilize UI and record & play back elements. The tool uses screen scraping technology which is independent of the Application Under Test (AUT) running on the screen.

Apart from the technical plus points, Ranorex offers good customer support through online forums and via email. With expertise gained through minor trainings or self-learning, even a manual tester can build framework leveraging this tool. Few of the giant companies that use Ranorex include Siemens, Motorola, Ericson and Vodafone.

Each tool is a good player on its own ground. This analysis is not on account of the tool being unfit but rather in light of the fact that Selenium Web Driver needs more skillful resources for coding. This surpasses the cost of any other tool in terms of Pricing and ease of complexity of maintenance. However, Selenium Web Driver is the most effective tool for extensive scale web applications. Ghost Inspector is best suited for small user interface automation, whereas Test Studio is good for desktop and Web application testing. Test Complete is similarly capable as Ranorex but its cost and updates are much costlier than that of Ranorex.

Software testing is crucial to the software development process. Choosing the right software testing tool can be difficult, but it is essential for successful test automation.

As technology evolves, so do the software market demands. Industry players must achieve quality at speed to keep up with agile development. This means developing higher-quality products that reach end-users within a short period.

Software testing teams need practical tools to execute more accurate test cases at faster speeds. Without such tools, most of the time, effort, workforce, and resources go toward repetitive actions, such as regression testing.

So, how can you know the right tool to pick? Let’s discuss the features to look for and factors to consider to ensure you choose the right software test tools for the different phases of your project.

When is Test Automation Necessary?

In software development, manual testing still plays a vital role in particular project requirements and needs. Auto testing is better suited for instances when:

  • You have regular regression testing iterations
  • You have multiple repetitive tests
  • Manual test execution is inadequate for critical functionality
  • You’re handling numerous BVT cases
  • AUT has a relatively stable UI
  • You need to simulate multiple users accessing the application resources

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Software Test Automation Tool

Choosing the right software testing tool depends on various factors. Every testing phase is unique at the initial stage and can evolve entirely new as the project proceeds.

1. Project Requirements

Before selecting a software test automation tool, it is crucial to consider the specific requirements of your project. Ideally, the chosen device should meet your project’s needs to save time and money in testing.

The first step is listing the project requirements and issues you intend to solve using the testing tool. You can ask these general questions to gain insights into the particular project’s needs:

  • The application’s language: This aspect is vital if you plan on using a specific programming language for the testing automation
  • Type of application that requires testing: Are you working on a desktop, API, mobile, or web application?
  • Will you need cross-device testing or cross-browser testing? If you’re working on a mobile or web application, you’ll need this testing
  • The platforms that require testing: If you’re handling a web application, note down the supported browsers. If it’s a mobile app, list the compatible mobile operating systems and do the same for a desktop application

As John Doerr, one of Google’s earliest investors, explains, the secret to success is to have the right goals.

Once you determine these answers, you can adopt OKR management to improve efficiency. OKRs help your team focus on high-priority tasks before branching out to other potential areas of improvement.

One of the most outstanding benefits of OKRs is ensuring you meet quality assurance standards at every step of the testing cycle. Breaking down the projects into manageable chunks through objective setting allows your team to collaborate and reach successful outcomes.

2. Learning Curve or Your team’s Skills

Test automation tools are available in two types; some require coding, but others are codeless.

Therefore, it is essential to consider your team’s skillset and experience level when selecting a software test automation tool. Some tools may require additional training or expertise, while others may be easier to learn if your team already has basic knowledge in this field.

If they have no prior experience with software testing, then look for a solution that offers extensive training resources or tutorials to help them get up to speed quickly.

Additionally, make sure that the selected tool will not require any additional technical expertise beyond what is already present in your team before making any decisions.

3. Budget

Budget is important when evaluating software solutions, and choosing a test automation tool is no different.

Depending on the size and complexity of your project, specific options might not fit into your budget constraints. Understanding how much you’re willing to spend before deciding which tool will work best for you is essential.

Before you set the budget in stone, consider the following aspects:

  • Time your team will spend learning the tool: A short learning curve saves costs indirectly as it reduces the time and resources you spend on the tool.
  • Time spent on the automation: You’ll save time and costs if the tool makes it easy to develop and maintain test cases.
  • Cost of human resources the automation needs: You’ll save costs if the testing tool doesn’t require hiring skilled resources for the automation.

Make sure that the chosen option fits into your allocated budget so as not to incur unnecessary costs down the line – this can ultimately affect how successful or effectively you run tests during development cycles.

It’s beneficial to look for tools with flexible pricing plans. Some may offer discounts or free trials, which allow your team to understand their specific needs better and evaluate whether or not they need additional features you commit fully to.

Furthermore, some tools may provide team subscriptions that enable multiple testers from different teams or locations to access one account at discounted rates. You should prioritize this aspect if you have a large organization that needs extensive coverage across various projects.

4. Ease of Maintenance and Test Case Creation

Creating test cases can be time-consuming. Therefore, the chosen software should offer easy-to-use features such as user-friendly interfaces or low code requirements, which make writing scripts simpler and quicker. It will save you valuable development hours by minimizing setup costs upfront.

Furthermore, not all testing tools can handle various scenarios. The best way to ensure the tool you chose fulfills your needs is by practically automating some test cases.

You should also ensure minimal maintenance after script creation so there isn’t too much manual effort involved once you complete the tests.

Some tools have self-healing abilities after test cases in case you make minor adjustments in the application.

Look for tools that allow users to customize tests according to specific needs and preferences. Each user on your team can tailor scripts according to their skill levels while still being able to execute automated tests.

If you’re new to test automation, it’s best to leverage the OKR methodology and ensure comprehensive documentation is available so your team can easily refer back when they need guidance during setup or maintenance.

This reduces the time spent searching through complex instructions or navigating unfamiliar interfaces.

Furthermore, look for features such as a revision control system that allows tracking changes made over time. Such features will enable you to go back in time and compare previous versions against current ones - great for debugging purposes!

Additionally, ensure the chosen tool includes automated notifications whenever updates occur on any project. Team members from different locations or departments will remain informed on progress without manually checking throughout cycles of testing tasks.

Ultimately, these practices help streamline workflows while allowing your team to collaborate more effectively for better results.

5. Reusability

Reusability is an essential factor to consider when selecting the best option for your project. It allows your team to reuse scripts and tests created in one environment in another, eliminating the need for manual setup or configuration each time something new needs testing.

6. Data-Driven Testing Capabilities

Data-driven testing allows your test team to run multiple tests on a single data set. They can easily verify the accuracy and reliability of an application or system with minimal effort.

It’s vital to understand what are [OKRs](https://www.profit.co/resource-center/blog/okr

  • examples/) you can use are increasing test coverage by 20% or reducing time-to-market by 50%. By setting these objectives and key results, your team can identify areas that need more attention during each iteration of testing, so no stone remains unturned throughout the development cycle.

7. Reporting Mechanism

Reporting is an essential part of any software test automation process. A comprehensive reporting mechanism gives insight into the quality and reliability of your application or system. You can make necessary adjustments to ensure that all tests are successful.

Look for reporting features such as:

  • Stack trace for any errors that occur
  • Screenshots to highlight failed test cases or steps
  • A clear outline of the failed test cases or steps
  • The time it takes to execute test steps and report test cases
  • Video display for test execution

The tool should generate detailed reports with graphical visualizations for an instant overview of different scenarios. It will help your team identify problem areas quickly and efficiently.

It would help if you also considered solutions, including customizable report templates, to easily tailor results according to your needs. Every team member can generate meaningful insights from data generated during testing cycles without manually browsing through thousands of lines of text every time something new needs verifying.

Furthermore, some tools also offer advanced analytics capabilities, such as drill-down functions and OKR management, which allow you to zoom in on specific areas within a report for more details.

You can further investigate issues while staying organized throughout various cycles of automated testing tasks.

8. Collaboration Support

In today’s age of remote working, collaboration is even more critical in software test automation. The chosen tool must include features that allow teams from different locations or departments to collaborate and communicate quickly and efficiently to ensure successful testing cycles.

Look for tools with real-time reporting capabilities and automated notifications whenever updates occur. Such features facilitate communication between different stakeholders while keeping everyone up-to-date on any project.

9. Integration Support

Integration support is instrumental for larger projects with multiple tools involved in testing cycles.

Some solutions provide features like API access which enable seamless communication between systems. This communication eliminates data discrepancies due to conflicting changes made over time.

Look for options compatible with OKR software and your existing frameworks or language libraries. Your team can quickly develop tests that adhere to industry standards, reducing the amount of coding required while providing comprehensive coverage across multiple platforms.

10. 24/7 Support and Training

The chosen tool should provide comprehensive training resources so your team can quickly familiarize themselves with the usage instructions.

Some solutions include features such as webinars that give insight into more advanced topics. Such information helps you stay up-to-date on industry trends.

It would help if you also looked for options with customer service teams offering round-the-clock assistance whenever needed. This ensures that you address all queries or concerns effectively, even after regular office hours.

Some tools also offer one-on-one remote mentoring services for personalized guidance during the setup or maintenance process, allowing each team member to gain confidence in their abilities before moving on to something new.

Conclusion

Automating software testing is an excellent way to enhance your project’s effectiveness and efficiency. Choosing the right tool to ensure it fulfills your unique requirements is best.

Besides the technical features, ensure your testing team will have access to 24/7 support in case of any challenges. Ultimately, your testing tool should enhance your testing efficiency, empowering your team to deliver the highest-quality product quickly.

What’s more, Profit.co OKR software simplifies tracking performance and progress while aligning your project goals.

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