Automated testing requires some manual exertion by the tester to write code, scripts or frameworks. Without the need for human intervention, tests can be run unattended, allowing for increased speed and test coverage.
In Automated testing, testers are required to write test scripts and frameworks to automate test execution. Specific tools are used dependant on the project. Automated testing relies on the testers pre-scripted test to compare real results against the expected results. By comparing results, the tester can determine whether the product performs as expected.
A key benefit of Automated testing is that it allows you to execute repetitive tasks, such as Regression tests, without the need for human intervention. Even though all processes are performed automatically, automation requires some manual effort to create initial testing scripts. Automated tests are executed with the help of tools, scripts, frameworks, and software to perform the pre-defined actions written in the test cases. An Automated tester must possess strong programming knowledge with the most common languages being Java, C#, C++, and Python.
The following steps represent a series of steps that must be undertaken to perform Automated testing.
Any software testing type can be executed both manually and automated. In each testing type, a range of testing methods are available, methods which are covered on this site, such as Black-box testing, White-box testing, Integration testing, System testing, Performance testing, and Load testing. Some methods are better suited to Manual, and others to Automated.
Automated testing is best suited to the following scenarios
Automated testing is suitable if a product has frequent code changes. Frequent changes to the code requires frequent testing. Regression testing ensures that any changes to the code or addition of code do not affect existing functionalities.
Load testing tests the behaviour of an application when accessed simultaneously by multiple users, and Automated testing is preferred to help determine a system’s performance under real-life load conditions.
Automated testing is preferred for Performance testing due to the aim being to eliminate bottlenecks, requiring Automation to represent high numbers of concurrent users. Performance testing tests for speed, scalability, and stability of the product.