Types of Automated Testing: Everything You Need to Know

Why is Automation Testing Needed?

The need for automation testing arises as manual testing can consume a lot of time and is error-prone and expensive. Automation testing helps to save the time and effort required for testing and increases the accuracy of the testing process.

Automation testing is suitable for testing huge volumes of data and datasets, which is impossible with manual testing. This is especially important for testing software products with large numbers of users and complex functions.

Types of Automated Testing

Organizations must use the right type of automation testing process as it can help to detect defects, bugs, and other issues that impact the quality of the software product.

1. Unit Testing

Unit testing is the first type of automated testing in this list. It involves testing individual software units. Developers typically perform this type of automated testing during development, which helps identify issues early in the development lifecycle. Unit testing is essential because it verifies the authenticity of the code and ensures that the code functions accurately. It also helps identify any defects in the code, which can be fixed before integrating the code with other software components.

2. Integration Testing

Integration testing is automated testing that involves testing how different software components work together. This type of testing helps identify issues related to integrating different software components. Integration testing is essential because it verifies that the different software components are working together correctly and communicating with each other efficiently. It could identify any type of defects that may occur due to the integration of different software components.

3. Functional Testing

Functional testing is automated testing that allows the testing of the functioning of a software product. It checks whether the software product is completing specific requirements and performing accurately. This type of automated testing is essential because it verifies that the software product is working correctly and meeting the users' needs.

4. Regression Testing

Regression testing is automated testing that allows the testing of software products after making changes to it that ensure the changes made have not produced any new defects in the software product. Regression testing is essential to ensure the software product still functions correctly after introducing changes in it. 

5. Performance Testing

Performance testing is automated testing that allows testing of how a software product performs under various loads and conditions. It helps to identify performance-related issues of the software product. Performance testing is essential because it ensures the software product can handle the expected load and perform as expected under different conditions. 

6. Security Testing

Security testing is automated testing that allows testing the security of the software product. It helps to identify any vulnerabilities in the software product that attackers may exploit. Security testing is essential because it helps to ensure that the software product is secure and not vulnerable to attacks. 

7. Usability Testing

Usability testing is automated testing that involves testing the usability of the software product. It helps to identify any issues related to the usability of the software product to ease the experience and accessibility of users. Usability testing is essential to ensure the software product is user-friendly and easy to use. 

Types of Automation Frameworks

1. Keyword-Driven Framework: This type of framework allows the use of keywords to define the different actions to be performed during testing. The keywords are mapped to test scripts, which are then executed by the automation tool.
2. Data-Driven Framework: This type of framework allows testing the data to drive process accuracy. The test result data is stored in a separate database that is used to generate test cases and test scripts.
3. Modular Framework: This type of framework allows the division of the testing process into smaller modules. Each module is tested separately and combines the results to form a complete test report.
4. Hybrid Framework: This type of framework combines different aspects of the keyword-driven, data-driven, and modular frameworks to produce a more flexible and customized testing solution.

Tools Used for Automated Testing

There are several tools available for different types of automated testing. Each of these has its own capabilities and features. Some most commonly used tools include:

• Selenium: This tool, used for testing web applications, is open-source. It supports multiple programming languages and browsers, making it a versatile tool for web application testing.
• Appium: An open-source tool, it is used for testing mobile applications. It supports multiple platforms, including Android and iOS. It can be used for native and hybrid mobile applications.
• JMeter: It is an open-source tool used for performance testing. It can be used for simulating a large number of users and can generate detailed performance reports.
• TestComplete: This commercial tool is used to test desktop, web, and mobile applications. It supports multiple programming languages and offers a wide range of testing features and capabilities.

Misconceptions About Automated Testing 

that prevent organizations from using this powerful tool to its full potential. Let's see some of the common misconceptions about automated testing and provide answers to frequently asked questions.

Misconception 1: Automated Testing is too Expensive

One misconception about automated testing is that it is too expensive. Many organizations believe automated testing requires a significant investment in tools, infrastructure, and skilled resources. 

However, the reality is that automated testing can be cost-effective in the long run. It helps to reduce the cost by reducing the time and effort that goes into manual testing. It also helps improve the software product's quality, which can lead to fewer defects, lower maintenance costs, and higher customer satisfaction.

Misconception 2: Automated Testing is too Complicated

Another misconception about automated testing is that it is too complicated. Many believe automated testing requires specialized skills and knowledge, which are difficult to acquire. 

However, the reality is that automated testing tools are user-friendly and require minimal technical skills. Automated testing can be used by developers, testers, and business analysts without the need for specialized training or expertise.

Misconception 3: Automated Testing is not Accurate

Many organizations believe automated testing is inaccurate because it relies on pre-written scripts. 

However, the reality is that automated testing can be more accurate than manual testing because it eliminates human error. Automated testing tools can repeat tests consistently and accurately, ensuring that the software product is tested thoroughly.

Misconception 4: Automated Testing is not Flexible

Some organizations believe automated testing is not flexible because it requires a rigid testing process. 

However, the reality is that automated testing offers high flexibility and customization to meet the organization's specific needs. Automated testing can be used to test different software products, including web applications, mobile applications, and desktop applications.

Misconception 5: Automated Testing is not Suitable for Agile Development

Some organizations believe automated testing is unsuitable for agile development because it requires a long lead time to develop and maintain test scripts. 

However, the reality is that automated testing can be used effectively in agile development. Automated testing can be used to test software products at each stage of the development cycle, ensuring that defects are identified early on.

FAQs

1. What is an example of automated testing?

An example of automated testing is unit testing, which involves testing individual software units or components. Developers normally perform it as part of the development process.

2. What are the 5 types of functional testing?

The five types of functional testing are:

1. Smoke testing
2. Sanity testing
3. Regression testing
4. User acceptance testing
5. Localization testing

3. What is automation testing in QA?

Automation testing in QA uses automated tools to perform testing activities. It helps to identify defects, bugs, and other issues that may have an influence on the quality of the software product.

4. Why use test automation?

Test automation is used to improve the quality of the software product, reduce the time and effort required for testing, and increase the efficiency of the testing process.

5. Is API testing automated testing?

Yes, API testing is automated testing that involves testing a software product's application programming interfaces (APIs). It helps to ensure that the APIs are functioning correctly and communicating with other software components as expected.

Conclusion

In conclusion, automated testing is a powerful tool that can be useful to organizations for improving the quality of their software products, reducing the time and effort required for testing, and increasing the efficiency of the testing process.

If you are looking to further enhance your automation testing skills, we would encourage you to check our Automation Testing Masters Program. This course can help you gain the right testing skills, give you exposure on using different automation testing tools, and help you become job-ready in no time.

If you have any questions, feel free to post them in the comments section below. Our team will get back to you at the earliest.