With the increasing emphasize on test automation in the software QA process, organizations are planning different strategies to leverage the full potential of test automation. The growing focus on software testing has led companies to adopt agile and DevOps methodologies to improve speed, accuracy, and consistency. The new technological implementations in the QA process have improved the quality and functionality of the application, thereby, speeding up the market launch.

Some of the strategies adopted by organizations for improved test automation are:

Test Automation Strategy

1. Determining Goal

Setting up a goal is an essential step for the success of test automation. This step gives a clear idea and systematic planning to define the objectives and scope of test automation.

1. Preparing Testing Approach

Once the goal is determined, the specific test approach is determined to decide on the testing levels, execution planning, roles and responsibilities determination, and so on. This step helps in deciding the right testing methods and tools, to ensure achieving maximum value.

The popular testing approach based on the different scenarios includes:

• Unit Testing

• Smoke Testing

• Regression Testing

• Component Testing

• End-to-End Testing

• Integration/API Testing

• Cross-browser Testing

3. Selecting Test Automation Framework

Test automation framework selection includes detailed guidelines to write and run tests. This comprises scripting standards, procedures, test execution methodologies, and data reporting.

Here is a list of test automation frameworks:

• Linear Scripting

• Library Architecture

• Modular-Based Testing

• Data-driven Testing

• Keyword-driven Testing

• Hybrid Testing

4. Selecting the Right Tool

Selecting the right tool is the most critical process in test automation strategy.

One of the primary aspects of choosing the right automation tool is to address the testing demands and check if the tool is compatible with the platform. Ideal test automation is considered to be the one that can support cross-browser testing and has the ability for maximum use of the test scripts.

1. Creating and Running Tests

Writing and executing tests includes the following steps:

• Test cases should be written in a way that will enable the testers to use them in multiple projects

• Test cases should be validated to avoid redundancy

• Test cases should be written in a way for easy execution by everyone

• Test cases should be prioritized based on the feature and component

• The high-priority test cases should be executed first

6. Maintaining Test Scripts

Test cases can be optimized, categorized, and reused; therefore, maintaining test cases play an important role. It allows evaluation of test case subsets, and clearly defines the purpose of test automation.

Importance of a successful test automation strategy to achieve product development goals

Importance of a test automation strategy is to help you achieve product development goals; it helps in:

• Improved accuracy

• High test coverage

• Reduced time and effort

• Increased test case efficiency

• Reduced maintenance cost

• Increased execution speed

• Analyzing risks and finding ways to combat them

Implementing the right test automation tool is an important part of the whole process. Tenjin Online is the 5th generation, SaaS-based, codeless, test automation platform proven successful across web, Android, and iOS applications. It’s a simple and explanatory tool that doesn’t require any technical skills and offers a seamless testing experience.