Different approaches for automated testing tools?
Overview
Let’s understand the Different approaches for automated testing tools in this post.
The most common approaches for automation testing are as follows:
- Record/Playback
- Data Driven
Approaches for Automated Testing
Record/Playback
A common type of automated tool is the ‘record/playback’ type. For example, a tester could click through all combinations of menu choices, dialog box choices, buttons, etc. in an application GUI and have them ‘recorded’ and the results logged by a tool. The ‘recording’ is typically in the form of text based on a scripting language that is interpretable by the testing tool. If new buttons are added, or some underlying code in the application is changed, etc. the application might then be retested by just ‘playing back’ the ‘recorded’ actions, and comparing the logging results to check effects of the changes. The problem with such tools is that if there are continual changes to the system being tested, the ‘recordings’ may have to be changed so much that it becomes very time-consuming to update the scripts continuously. Additionally, interpretation and analysis of results (screens, data, logs, etc.) can be a difficult task.
Data Driven
Another common type of approach for automation of functional testing is ‘data-driven’ or ‘keyword-driven’ automated testing, in which the test drivers are separated from the data and/or actions utilized in testing (an ‘action’ would be something like ‘enter a value in a text box’). Test drivers can be in the form of automated test tools or custom-written testing software. The data and actions can be more easily maintained – such as via a spreadsheet – since they are separate from the test drivers. The test drivers ‘read’ the data/action information to perform specified tests. This approach can enable more efficient control, development, documentation, and maintenance of automated tests/test cases.