Test Automation

Automation Testing – isdefined as developing and executing tests that can run unattended,comparing the actual to expected results and logging status. The restof the paper will concentrate primarily on automation testing.

Simply put, “Automated Testing” is automating the manual testingprocess currently in use. Minimal setup includes:

• Detailed Test Cases
  
• Predictable “Expected Results”
  
• Dedicated Test Environment
  
• And most importantly dedicated and skilled resources.

Automatedtesting is expensive in terms of cost. It does not replace the need formanual testing or enable you to “down-size” your testing department.Automated testing is an addition to your testing process.

However, test automation can be cost-effective by following some of thetime-tested techniques given below.

• Choose a test tool that best fits the testing requirements of yourorganisation.
  
• One-time tests are not worth automating.Only automate thosetests that are going to be repeated.
  
• Before starting off with Test Automation, identify the test casesthat can be automated.
  
• Concentrate on automating the majority of your tests, which arefairly straightforward.
  
• Leave the complex tests for manual testing.
  
• Nevermake the mistake of using Record and Playback as a method of automationtesting.
  
• As far as possible use adata-driven automated testing methodology.
  
• Most importantly, have a setof resources (hardware, software and people) dedicated to testautomation.