Automation Testing Tutorial for Beginners: Learn to Simplify STLC

The growing complexity and speed of software development, the focus on quality, and the uptake of cutting-edge technologies are all contributing factors to the strong demand for automation testers, which is only anticipated to grow. Learn everything from fundamentals in this automation testing tutorial for beginners. Explore our automation testing course syllabus.

Introduction to Automation Testing

Manual testing is meticulously going over every detail of a software program by hand, pressing buttons, inputting information, and confirming the outcomes. The use of specialized software tools to carry out these identical testing procedures automatically is known as automation.

Why Automation Testing?

Automation testing is beneficial for the following reasons:

• Enhanced Efficiency: Particularly for repetitive activities, automation can execute tests far more quickly than a human tester.
• Increased Accuracy and Consistency: Because automated scripts carry out the same actions repeatedly, there is less possibility of human error and consistent outcomes.
• Greater Test Coverage: More areas of the application can be tested by running a wider suite of tests more frequently.
• Faster Feedback: Early in the development cycle, bugs can be found more quickly due to automation.
• Long-term Cost Savings: Although automation requires an initial investment, it can eventually save time and money, particularly for complicated and large-scale projects.
• Improved Utilization of Human Testers: Automation allows human testers to concentrate on more exploratory, usability, and ad hoc testing, which calls for creativity and critical thinking.

What to Automate and What Not To:

Automating everything isn’t necessarily a good thing. The following are good candidates for automation:

• Repetitive Tests: Regularly carried out tasks, such as regression testing.
• High-Risk Tests: Crucial features where a failure could have serious repercussions.
• Time-Consuming Tests: They are ones that need a lot of physical labor to complete.
• Data-Driven Tests: Tests that employ several data sets to confirm functionality.
• Performance Tests: They evaluate how responsive and stable a program is when loaded.

The following tests might not be ideal for automation:

• Usability Testing: Evaluation of the application’s usability and intuitiveness through usability testing, which frequently calls for human observation and input.
• Exploratory Testing: It is unstructured testing that uses subject expertise and tester intuition to find unforeseen problems.
• Ad-hoc Testing: It is helpful for finding edge cases and is a random test with no preset objectives.
• Tests that are Always Evolving: The automation scripts may need expensive and frequent modifications if the application’s user interface or functionality is highly erratic.

Explore our online software testing training program.

Key Components of Automation Testing

Here are the important elements of automation testing:

Test Scripts

The automated tests are powered by these actual instructions or code. They specify the actions that must be taken with the application, the data that must be entered, and the assertions that must be verified.

Depending on the tools selected and the application being tested, test scripts can be written in a variety of programming languages, including Java, Python, JavaScript, C#, and Ruby. Additionally, scriptless automation tools that offer a more visual or keyword-driven method can be used to develop them.

Test scripts that are well-written are reusable, modular, and simple to comprehend and update as the application changes.

Test Framework

A test framework offers a framework and set of rules for creating, implementing, reporting, and designing automated tests. It provides a collection of best practices, tools, and libraries to make automation more efficient.

Benefits of Test Framework:

• Organization: Provides test scripts and associated files a defined structure.
• Reusability: Allows the use of libraries and utility functions to reuse code.
• Maintainability: Facilitates the updating and management of scripts.
• Reporting: Frequently has integrated tools for producing test reports.
• Integration: Makes it easier to integrate other tools, including CI/CD pipelines.

Types of Test Frameworks

Here are the common types of test frameworks:

• Linear Framework (Record and Playback): Simple but frequently less maintainable for complex applications is the linear framework.
• Modular Framework: Test scripts can be divided into reusable modules using a modular framework.
• Data-Driven Framework: This framework enables the execution of tests using multiple data sets by separating test logic from test data.
• Keyword-Driven Framework: This framework makes it easier for non-programmers to understand by using terms to express actions.
• Hybrid Framework: Utilizes the advantages of several frameworks by combining their components.

Test Data:

The test scripts use this input data to communicate with the application. For comprehensive testing, efficient test data management is crucial.

• Test Data Sources: Test data can be acquired from databases, generated programmatically, read from external files (such CSV or Excel), or hard coded in scripts (though this is less effective for huge datasets).
• Data Coverage and Variety: To fully test the behavior of the application, it’s critical to employ a variety of test data, such as boundary, edge-case, valid, and invalid values.

Recommended: Selenium Testing Training in Chennai.

Test Execution Engine:

The part in charge of actually executing the automated test scripts is known as the Conductor of the Orchestra. It communicates with the application being tested and deciphers the script’s instructions.

• Platforms and Tools: For automatic execution of code changes, the execution engine can be incorporated into a CI/CD pipeline, a command-line interface, or the automation tool itself (such as Selenium WebDriver).
• Parallel Execution and Scheduling: To cut down on execution time, several execution engines enable parallel execution of tests and scheduling of tests to execute at predetermined periods.

Test Environment:

The particular hardware, software, and network setup where the automated tests are run is known as the “Testing Ground.” To provide reliable findings, it should preferably replicate the production environment as nearly as possible.

Reliable automation requires a constant and stable test environment. False positives or negatives may result from environmental variations.

Environment Management: Especially in complicated systems, managing and allocating test environments can be a major component of automation. Techniques and tools like containerization and virtualization can be beneficial.

Test Reporting and Analysis

This part creates logs and reports that describe the outcomes of the test run. Clear insights into the application’s quality and any found flaws are provided by effective reporting.

• Key Information in Reports: Each test case’s status (pass/fail), execution time, error messages, and occasionally pictures or videos are all included in reports.
• Analysis and Actionability: The reports should be simple to read and comprehend so that developers and testers can spot problems fast. This component frequently includes integration with defect tracking systems (such as Jira or Bugzilla).

Recommended: Appium Testing Training in Chennai.

Automation Tools

The software programs needed to plan, create, run, and oversee automated tests are referred to as the Toolkit. The kind of application being tested (web, mobile, desktop, or API), the automation team’s expertise, and the project specifications all influence the tools chosen.

• Variety of Tools: Numerous automation technologies are available, including both commercial (such TestComplete and UFT One) and open-source (like Selenium, Cypress, Playwright, and Appium).
• Tool Integration: To produce a complete automation solution, several tools are frequently combined (e.g., Jenkins for CI/CD, Postman for API testing, and Selenium for UI testing).

Together, these seven elements form a successful automated testing plan. Building and sustaining an effective automation framework requires an understanding of each of them.

Related Training: DevOps Training in Chennai.

Types of Automation Testing

There is no one-size-fits-all method for automation testing. Similar to manual testing, it includes a variety of forms that are specific to the software and the testing objectives. These are a few of the main categories of automated testing that you will come across.

Based on the Application Layer

Here are the automation testing types based on application layer:

UI (User Interface) Testing:

• Focus: Verifying the application’s UI’s visual components and functionality. This entails using UI components, buttons, text fields, menus, etc., just like an end user would.
• Tools: Selenium, Cypress, TestCafe, Playwright, Puppeteer, and Appium (for mobile).
• Objective: Make that the user interface works properly, is aesthetically pleasing, and offers a positive user experience.

API (Application Programming Interface) Testing:

• Focus: Examining data exchange and communication across various software systems or components without dealing with the user interface directly. Frequently, this entails submitting queries to APIs and confirming the answers.
• Tools: SoapUI, RestAssured (Java), Postman, and Requests (Python).
• Objective: Ensure the security, dependability, performance, and functioning of APIs.

Database Testing:

• Focus: Verifying the database’s performance, consistency, and integrity. This entails checking the manipulation, retrieval, and storage of data.
• Tools: Usually include creating SQL queries and utilizing frameworks or testing tools tailored to a given database that are connected with programming languages.
• Objective: It is to ensure data accuracy, schema integrity, and effective database operations.

Suggested: Mobile App Development Training in Chennai.

Based on the Purpose of Testing:

Here are the various types of automation testing based on the purpose of testing:

Regression Testing:

• Focus: Ensuring that existing functionality has not been adversely affected by bug fixes or new code modifications. This kind of testing is essential and typically automated.
• Tools: Regression testing can be done with any database automation, UI, or API tool. Having a reliable set of tests that cover essential features is crucial.
• Objective: As the current application develops, preserve its quality and stability.

Smoke Testing (Sanity Testing):

• Focus: Making sure the application is reliable enough for additional testing by quickly and superficially checking the most important features following a new build or deployment. For speed, it is frequently mechanized.
• Tools: Any appropriate automation tool that concentrates on a limited number of essential features can be employed.
• Objective: Identify significant problems as soon as possible and decide whether more testing is necessary.

Performance Testing:

• Focus: Assessing the scalability, stability, and responsiveness of the application under varied load scenarios. Realistic user traffic simulation requires automation.
• Types: Test types include load, stress, soak, and spike tests.
• Tools: Gatling, LoadRunner, and JMeter.
• Objective: Finding performance bottlenecks and confirming that the application can manage peak and anticipated loads are the objectives.

Security Testing:

• Focus: Finding weaknesses and making sure the program is shielded against data breaches, illegal access, and other security risks. Certain kinds of security checks can be automated.
• Types include static code analysis, vulnerability scanning, and penetration testing (typically a combination of automated and manual methods).
• Tools: SonarQube (for static analysis), Nessus, and OWASP ZAP.
• Objective: Strengthen the application’s security posture.

Accessibility Testing:

• Focus: Making sure those with disabilities can use the application. Checking for adherence to accessibility standards, such as WCAG, can be aided by automation.
• Tools: Axe and the WAVE browser extension are useful tools that can be used into automation frameworks.
• Objective: Expand the application’s accessibility and inclusivity.

Other Notable Types:

Unit Testing (Often Developer-Driven): Automating the testing of distinct code elements or functionalities is known as unit testing. Although it is frequently carried out by developers, automation testers should be aware of its function in the entire quality process.

• Tools: PyTest (Python), NUnit (.NET), JUnit (Java), and TestNG (Java).
• Objective: Confirm each code unit’s accuracy.

Integration Testing: Automating the testing of how several software modules or services interact with one another is known as integration testing.

• Tools: Depending on the integration points, database, API, or user interface automation tools may be used.
• Objective: Verify that the system’s various components function as intended.

The needs of the project, the architecture of the application, and the testing goals will all influence the particular forms of automation testing that are used. 

To guarantee thorough test coverage and high-quality software, a variety of automation testing techniques are frequently combined.

Suggested: QTP training in Chennai.

Automation Testing Life Cycle

The Automation Testing Life Cycle (ATLC) will be discussed. Similar to the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), the automation testing process is guided by a systematic methodology. Below are the steps involved in automation life cycle:

Step 1: Test Planning:

Goal: Specify the automation’s goals, approach, and extent.

Activities: 

• Determine which tests, taking into account variables like complexity, risk, and frequency, should be automated.
• Select the right automation framework and tools.
• Specify the data needs and test environment.
• Calculate the budget, schedules, and resources needed for automation.
• Create a document outlining the test plan.

Step 2: Test Design and Development

Goal: Write the test scripts and related materials.

Activities: 

• Create automated test scenarios.
• Utilizing the selected programming languages and tools, create the automation scripts.
• Create libraries and functions that are reusable.
• Configure the test environment.
• Get the test data ready.

Step 3: Test Execution

Goal: Execute the automated tests and compile the findings.

Activities: 

• Run through the test scripts.
• Keep an eye on the test’s execution.
• Record test results, including logs, screenshots, videos, and pass/fail status.
• Prioritize and oversee test runs.
• For continuous testing, include tests into CI/CD workflows.

Step 4: Test Analysis and Reporting

Goal: Examine the test results and properly convey them.

Activities: 

• Examine test failures and determine the underlying reasons.
• Inform developers of any flaws.
• Create metrics and test reports.
• Monitor the coverage of tests.
• Share test findings with interested parties.

Step 5. Test Maintenance

Goal: Maintain the framework and automation scripts current and effective.

Activities: 

• As the program evolves, update the test scripts.
• Test scripts should be rewritten and optimized.
• Keep the test environment up to date.
• Control the test data.
• Make the automation framework better.

Recommended: Python Training in Chennai.

Important Things to Keep in Mind During the ATLC:

• Communication: It’s critical that developers, testers, and other stakeholders communicate effectively.
• Collaboration: Identifying and resolving problems jointly.
• Version Control: Managing test scripts and associated files with version control systems (such as Git).
• Metrics: Monitoring important metrics to gauge how well automation is working, such as test execution time, defect detection rate, and test coverage.

The ATLC ensures a methodical and effective approach to software quality assurance by offering a road map for successful automation testing.

Related: JMeter training in Chennai.

Writing and Executing Your First Automation Script (Simple Example).

Sample Scenario: The procedure of launching a web browser, going to a certain website (let’s use Google), typing in a search word (“Selenium”), and then (optionally) confirming that the search term appears on the search results page will all be automated.

Prerequisites:

• Installed Python: Verify that Python is installed on your computer. Downloads are available at https://www.python.org/downloads/.
• Pip Installed: pip is the Python package installer. Usually, Python installations include it.
• Installing the Selenium Library: Launch the command prompt or terminal and type:

pip install selenium

WebDriver for Your Browser: For Selenium to communicate with your browser, a “WebDriver” is required. Get the WebDriver that is compatible with the browser you intend to use:

• Chrome: https://chromedriver.chromium.org/downloads/chromedriver (Verify that it matches the version of Chrome you’re using.)
• Firefox: GeckoDriver is for Firefox at https://github.com/mozilla/geckodriver/releases.
• Edge: https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/tools/webdriver/ Microsoft Edge WebDriver
• Safari: Despite being pre-installed on macOS, SafariDriver may need to be enabled in the Develop menu (Preferences -> Advanced -> Show Develop menu in menu bar). 

You can either provide the path of the WebDriver executable in your script or place it in a directory that is part of your system’s PATH environment variable.

from selenium import webdriver

from selenium.webdriver.common.by import By

from selenium.webdriver.common.keys import Keys

import time

# — Step 1: Set up the WebDriver —

# Replace ‘path/to/your/chromedriver’ with the actual path if it’s not in your PATH

driver = webdriver.Chrome()  # Or webdriver.Firefox(), webdriver.Edge(), webdriver.Safari()

# — Step 2: Navigate to a Website —

driver.get(“https://www.google.com”)

print(f”Opened: {driver.current_url}”)

# — Step 3: Locate the Search Box and Enter Text —

# We’ll find the search box using its name attribute (you might need to inspect the Google homepage)

search_box = driver.find_element(By.NAME, “q”)

search_box.send_keys(“Selenium”)

print(“Entered ‘Selenium’ in the search box.”)

# — Step 4: Simulate Pressing Enter —

search_box.send_keys(Keys.RETURN)

print(“Pressed Enter.”)

time.sleep(3)  # Wait for the search results to load (adjust as needed)

# — Step 5: (Optional) Verify the Search Results —

if “Selenium” in driver.title:

    print(“Search results page title contains ‘Selenium’. Test Passed!”)

else:

    print(f”Search results page title: ‘{driver.title}’ – Test Failed.”)

# — Step 6: Close the Browser —

driver.quit()

print(“Browser closed.”)

Executing the Script:

• Save this code as a Python file, such as google_search.py.
• Launch the command prompt or terminal.
• Go to the directory in which the file was saved.
• Use the following command to launch the script:

python google_search.py

What You Should See:

• The browser you selected or your default Chrome browser will launch.
• The URL that will be displayed is https://www.google.com.
• You’ll type “Selenium” into the search bar.
• The Google search results page will appear when you press the Enter key.
• The procedures being taken and the outcome of the optional verification will be shown by the messages the script prints in your terminal.
• The browser will finally shut off.

This simple example gives you a basic idea of how to use Python with Selenium to develop and run a simple web automation script. You’ll find increasingly potent features and methods for creating reliable automation solutions as you gain more knowledge. 

Conclusion

The foundational concepts to simple examples of test automation are covered in this automation testing tutorial for beginners. Learn them with comprehensive practical experiences in our automation testing training in Chennai.