Click on the questions below to get the answers
1) What is Automation ?
Answer: In general, it is the process of implementing particular work automatically by using a machine, to reduce the need of human work in the production of goods and services.
2) What is meant by Automation in software testing ? Answer: It is a process of testing an application(executing the tests, comparing expected and actual results under some controlled conditions and generating the reports) automatically by using a 'Tool' to reduce the need of human effort. This tool may be Selenium / QTP / RFT / SilkTest etc.
3) Why do we need automation in software testing ? Answer: Humans can do mistakes. If a work is repetitive then we may skip some work intentionally or unintentionally due to time pressure, boring task, etc. In order to overcome these problems 'automation testing' has been introduced to reduce manual task, to save cost and time, to improve accuracy, to perform repetitive execution of tests, to customize defect reporting etc. and hence automation is needed, as it replaces human with great features.
4) Which type of testing can be Automated ? Answer: We can automate Regression testing, Functional testing, Stress testing, Performance testing, Load testing, Smoke testing, Compatibility testing, Data-Driven testing etc.
5) When to do automation testing ? Answer: It is not always advantageous to automate test cases. We can do automation:
- When the application is stable.
- For long term projects.
- When you have lot of regression work.
- When the scenario is easily debuggable.
6) What are the advantages and disadvantages of Automation Testing ?- When the application is stable.
- For long term projects.
- When you have lot of regression work.
- When the scenario is easily debuggable.
Answer:
Advantages :
- Reduces human resources.
- Using an automation tool, test scripts can be executed faster when compared to manual execution and hence saves time.
- Repeatable execution of tests may lead to make mistakes when it is done manually but when we automate the same task, accuracy will be improved.
- Test cases can be reused in various versions of software which saves time and cost.
Disadvantages:
- Unemployment rate increases as machine replaces human.
- It is not so easy to write automation test scripts, it requires skilled and experienced resources.
- We cannot automate everything as it is advantageous only for repeatable and reusable test cases.
- Initial cost for automation is very high unless it is open source.
- Debugging skills should be high otherwise its effect will be dangerous (mainly it kills time, so, we cannot reach dead-line).
Advantages :
- Reduces human resources.
- Using an automation tool, test scripts can be executed faster when compared to manual execution and hence saves time.
- Repeatable execution of tests may lead to make mistakes when it is done manually but when we automate the same task, accuracy will be improved.
- Test cases can be reused in various versions of software which saves time and cost.
Disadvantages:
- Unemployment rate increases as machine replaces human.
- It is not so easy to write automation test scripts, it requires skilled and experienced resources.
- We cannot automate everything as it is advantageous only for repeatable and reusable test cases.
- Initial cost for automation is very high unless it is open source.
- Debugging skills should be high otherwise its effect will be dangerous (mainly it kills time, so, we cannot reach dead-line).
7) Name some test automation tools?
Answer:
- Selenium (Open Source)
- HP QuickTest Professional (Commercial)
- IBM Rational Functional Tester (Commercial)
- HP WinRunner (Commercial)
- SilkTest (Commercial)
- HTTP Test Tool (Open Source)
- WATIR (Open Source)
- Maveryx (Open Source)
- eggPlant (Commercial)
- Selenium (Open Source)
- HP QuickTest Professional (Commercial)
- IBM Rational Functional Tester (Commercial)
- HP WinRunner (Commercial)
- SilkTest (Commercial)
- HTTP Test Tool (Open Source)
- WATIR (Open Source)
- Maveryx (Open Source)
- eggPlant (Commercial)
8) What kind of tests should NOT be automated?
Answer:
- Automating tests that only need to be executed once doesn't make sense.
- Tests without predictable results – test automation should give us confidence in the results of the tests. If there are intermittent failures then the tests cannot be reliable.
- Tests that need to be verified visually
- Tests that need to be executed quickly. At first, writing an automated test takes longer. If we want a quick check, we should test it manually however, if that test is a good one which should be run regularly, then it should be automated in time
- Usability Testing – at times it becomes impossible to perform testing by automation as the computer cannot efficiently judge if the system is of any use to its users.
- Automating tests that only need to be executed once doesn't make sense.
- Tests without predictable results – test automation should give us confidence in the results of the tests. If there are intermittent failures then the tests cannot be reliable.
- Tests that need to be verified visually
- Tests that need to be executed quickly. At first, writing an automated test takes longer. If we want a quick check, we should test it manually however, if that test is a good one which should be run regularly, then it should be automated in time
- Usability Testing – at times it becomes impossible to perform testing by automation as the computer cannot efficiently judge if the system is of any use to its users.
