Blog

Test automation framework: why you should have one

In software development it’s hard to find anyone who considers software architecture useless, the same applies to automated tests. By test architecture I mean all code that will support and facilitate test cases development and execution (e.g. test framework), the project structure and any management that will take place (e.g. test data management and documentation).
27 February 2014
Test automation
The article by a1qa
a1qa

In software development it’s hard to find anyone who considers software architecture useless, the same applies to automation testing. By test architecture I mean all code that will support and facilitate test cases development and execution (e.g. test framework), the project structure and any management that will take place (e.g. test data management and documentation).

First of all there are 3 key points that reveal test automation framework uses:

  • Code support
  • Test support
  • Analysis

Analysis plays an important role for code support as well as test support – it is the most customer-oriented part, tightly connected with framework. Now let’s take a look at automation project architecture where test framework takes place.

  • System under test is processed with test tools through application interfaces (GUI/API)
  • Test tools actions and test libraries methods are invoked through its API by test framework.
  • Test framework uses test data, usually specially formatted for it.

This is the most common architecture. But is test framework really helpful?
First of all – forget about linear tests. Implementing test libraries makes your code reusable. Why doing same things over and over again when you can simply implement it once and use several times?

Main idea of test framework: a little bit more efforts once – much less efforts each time later. A common solution for this is design patterns. With design patterns we can improve some tests capabilities.

For example Page Object pattern reduces the maintenance impact, helps to implement similar tests much easier. In web testing Singleton can be used to provide a driver instance to tests instead of inheritance. If you need to verify a database, the Entity can be used to reduce the quantity of database connections.

However using design patterns along with test framework is recommended, but not obligatory.

When you need to decide what architecture to choose and answer the question “Should we have test automation framework?” try first to answer on this questions:

  • Who will develop the tests and analyze results?
  • Does this person have the right technical skills and domain knowledge?
  • Do you need to separate test description and/or data from low-level code?
  • How many third-party tools you use to access SUT?
  • Do you have time and budget to implement it internally or it would be better to get a professional help?

The article is prepared by Yan Gabis

More Posts

na-st-awards-23
16 November 2023,
by a1qa
3 min read
a1qa shines as the finalist in three categories of the North American Software Testing Awards
a1qa is a triple finalist at the North American Software Testing Awards.
General
Quality assurance
Test automation
3 November 2023,
by a1qa
4 min read
From idea to buying: 7 testing types to make your mobile eCommerce solutions flawless
Read the article to discover 7 QA activities helping boost mobile eCommerce solutions quality and provide end users with exceptional buying experiences.
Functional testing
General
Quality assurance
Test automation
Usability testing
On the way to Web 3.0: key software testing aspects for seamless digital experiences. Part 2
12 October 2023,
by a1qa
4 min read
On the way to Web 3.0: key software testing aspects for seamless digital experiences. Part 2
Let’s analyze essential software testing checks to improve the quality of the business-critical Web 3.0 functionality.
Cybersecurity testing
Functional testing
Performance testing
Quality assurance
Test automation
Usability testing
On the way to Web 3.0: key software testing aspects for seamless digital experiences. Part 1
11 October 2023,
by a1qa
4 min read
On the way to Web 3.0: key software testing aspects for seamless digital experiences. Part 1 
In part 1 of this article, learn about the transformation to a new Internet era, Web 3.0, and its benefits for increasing operational efficiency.
General
QA trends
Quality assurance
Software lifecycle QA
Test automation
goodfirms-lists
26 September 2023,
by a1qa
2 min read
a1qa’s recognition by GoodFirms: A testament to our expertise
Delve into a1qa's recent acknowledgment by GoodFirms and explore the significance of this accolade in the sphere of software testing.
General
Performance testing
Test automation
ai-ml-test-automation-mini
21 September 2023,
by a1qa
5 min read
6 activities to supercharge test automation with AI and ML
How to maximize the benefits of test automation? Learn how to do it via applying AI and ML.
Test automation
QA for financial applications: 4 reasons why it is a must-have
14 September 2023,
by a1qa
3 min read
QA for financial applications: 4 reasons why it is a must-have
Striving to release high-quality financial apps? Read on and discover 4 core reasons why your eBanking solutions need software testing.
QA consulting
Quality assurance
Test automation
gaming-qa
24 August 2023,
by a1qa
4 min read
Ready, steady, test: How QA drives seamless gaming experiences
Why is QA pivotal for delivering unmatched player experiences? How to level up video game quality? Find the answers in the article.
Cybersecurity testing
Functional testing
Localization testing
Performance testing
Quality assurance
Test automation
Usability testing
debated technologies
30 May 2023,
by a1qa
3 min read
a1qa tech voice: Managing director at a1qa, North America, discusses pros and cons of much-debated technologies
Nadya Knysh, Managing director at a1qa, North America, puts a spotlight on 6 current technologies, discussing their positives and negatives.
General
Interviews
Test automation

Get in touch

Please fill in the required field.
Email address seems invalid.
Please fill in the required field.
We use cookies on our website to improve its functionality and to enhance your user experience. We also use cookies for analytics. If you continue to browse this website, we will assume you agree that we can place cookies on your device. For more details, please read our Privacy and Cookies Policy.