Automation Test Framework
Automation Test Framework
In this tutorial, you will learn about Automation Framework. An automation framework provides a structured platform for developing, executing, and maintaining automated tests efficiently. A test automation framework is a collection of re-usable methods which helps in automating test process.
Automation of test process include automation of following modules:
Components
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Test Scripts | Actual automation scripts written in a programming/test language (e.g., Java, Python, JavaScript) to execute tests. |
| Test Data | External data (Excel, CSV, JSON, XML, databases) used to drive tests for better coverage and reusability. |
| Object Repository | A centralized storage for UI elements (objects) and their locators, allowing maintainability and separation from logic. |
| Test Runner | Tools or modules that execute test cases, such as TestNG, JUnit, NUnit, or built-in runners like those in Selenium or Cypress. |
| Reporting Tool | Generates readable reports (e.g., HTML, XML, PDF) about test execution results.
Examples: ExtentReports, Allure, ReportNG. |
| Logging Utility | Logs runtime details, errors, and test execution info for debugging.
Tools: Log4j, java.util.logging, etc. |
| Configuration Files | External config (e.g., .properties, yaml, or json) for URLs, browser settings, and environment variables. |
| Build Integration | CI/CD integration with tools like Jenkins, GitHub Actions, or Azure DevOps for continuous testing and deployment. |
| Test Management Tool | Tools like JIRA, TestRail, or Zephyr to track and manage test cases, test cycles, and issues. |
| Utilities/Helper Classes | Reusable methods for common tasks (e.g., wait functions, file uploads, screenshots) that reduce code duplication. |
| Driver/Browser Manager | Handles browser setup, initialization, and teardown.
Example: WebDriverManager for Selenium. |
| Assertion Library | Framework/tool used to verify expected vs. actual results.
Examples: Assert (TestNG), Hamcrest, Chai, etc. |
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Page Object Model (POM) | Design pattern to create an object repository for web elements. |
| Keyword/Data-Driven Layer | Framework layer to allow tests to run using external keywords/data. |
| Service/API Layer | For testing APIs alongside UI (e.g., REST Assured, Postman, Karate). |
| Parallel Execution Support | Execute tests concurrently using Selenium Grid, TestNG parallel, etc. |
| Component | Description | Examples/Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Test Scripts | Contains automated test logic | Selenium, Cypress, Playwright |
| Test Data | Input data for test execution | Excel, CSV, JSON |
| Object Repository | Stores locators for UI elements | POM, XML, JSON, Properties |
| Reusable Functions | Common utility methods | Login, Wait, Capture Screenshot |
| Config Files | Stores settings and environment details | .properties, .json, .yaml |
| Logging | Tracks test execution flow | Log4j, slf4j |
| Reporting | Generates test execution reports | Extent Reports, Allure |
| CI Integration | Runs tests in CI/CD pipelines | Jenkins, GitHub Actions |
| Browser Drivers | Interface with browsers | chromedriver, geckodriver |
| Error Handling | Manages runtime exceptions | Try-catch, Retry logic |
| Version Control | Code versioning and collaboration | Git, GitHub |
| Test Management | Links with manual test cases | JIRA, TestRail |
