Here are 10 of the most common myths associated with automated testing and more context that they often lack:
1. Test automation is expensive and often fails to generate a positive ROI.
- There is an initial substantial cost for upfront investment in training, tool(s) and creating new processes.
- In the long run, test automation generates a positive ROI when it follows a detailed test strategy or plan that includes all the requirements including a dedicated environment and refreshable test data.
2. Start test automation by developing scripts from manual tests.
- Manual tests are designed by humans for humans and are often missing explicit steps needed for proper automation, and they tend to include multiple verification points.
- Consider creating automated test scripts from scratch to be sure they cover all application functionalities.
3. Test automation replaces all manual testing needs.
- Test automation will not replace all your manual testing needs. Some manual testing is always required to ensure the application works from a human point of view.
- Test automation works better as a complement to manual testing efforts and increases the speed of test execution.
4. It eliminates the need for a QA testing team.
- Unless you’re going to make developers code both the application and the test cases, you’ll still need a QA testing team of variable size depending on the complexity of the application.
- Test automation works best with a dedicated team to develop and support it.
5. Automated test suites break so often they’re nearly useless.
- The quality of the script design is critical. Automated scripts need to be flexible.
- Consider adding code markers or IDs to identify objects that frequently move.
- Try using the AI feature for self-healing in low- or no-code automation tools.
6. Test automation guarantees testing success.
- Just because you automate a test doesn’t mean the test is valid.
- Test automation requires the scripter to understand the application functionality fully and add in verification points to check that the functionality works as expected.
- Automated test scripts may generate false failures or false pass status due to an issue in the software application being tested or because of an issue with the automation tool.
7. Test automation only works for small projects and simple applications.
- It’s easier the simpler the application, that’s true, but any functionality or test type can be automated outside of usability or acceptance testing with the proper design.
- Consider using test automation for exploratory testing and even end-to-end testing of complex and highly integrated applications using a modular design.
8. Testers need to understand multiple coding languages to develop tests.
This depends on the tool you select. Many no-code or low-code tools require only a general understanding of programming.
Testers can learn how to code if desired, but likely a general understanding of coding is enough.
9. Test automation only works for simplistic tests, like smoke tests.
- Test automation can work on any type of testing including smoke, regression, system or end-to-end, performance, basic security and integration.
- Include the types of testing in your automation test strategy and add design principles for test development.
- Consider using a modular test design to create more complex test cases.
10. There is a single universally applicable test automation tool.
- Not possible based on the variances in system operating systems and browsers.
- A tool that supports all applications and platforms simply would be so complex, it’d be next to impossible to configure and use.
- Plan time to find the automation tool that works for your application architecture. Consider using one that works with the development tool used for coding to ensure compatibility.
Creating successful test automation requires a solid, well-thought-out plan. Without a plan, you’ll end up with a mishmash of test designs and styles that are difficult to troubleshoot and maintain.
Original article: https://www.telerik.com/blogs/myths-magic-automated-testing