While most companies still use manual tests for development processes, some people are starting to move into automated testing. Automation testing can be a great addition to any business because it uses the application of tools and technology to test software. This has a wide variety of benefits.
What is manual testing?
Manual testing requires repeat testing each time a source code changes. Unfortunately, it is very easy for errors to develop because someone is physically testing the information, rather than letting the software do it. This can be a wasteful process. Any highly repetitive testing could benefit from a tool to automate web testing.
Automating testing for software
However not all testing can or should be automated. Let’s look at some criteria requirements for creating automated testing to aid in software development.
The test has to be repeatable
If a test is only being run once, there is no sense in using automation for it. However, for a test that is being run often, automation can help and take some of the burdens of automated testing away.
You will have to create automated software yourself which may take some time and will require concentration and effort. However, once completed, you will have software that is built to last.
The outcome is the same
When you put in the same income, you should receive the same outcome whenever using the automated software. This can help in software development when you are not using too many variable inputs that may have different outcomes.
User feedback isn’t necessary
User feedback is considered an opinion and therefore cannot be automated. This will still need to be done in manual or traditional ways.
Why is automated testing beneficial for software development?
Automated testing will save you time and money. If you spend time manually testing all fields and workflows, you can waste valuable resources and time. Since test automation does not require human intervention, you can run them overnight or virtually any time of the day.
Automated testing can be set up to run all its own without you having to pay an employee to sit in front of the computer.
Automated testing is much less prone to errors. This is partly because once you’ve set up the test for the software, it knows what to do and will always produce the same outcome.
Manual testing can also become tedious and boring causing errors that could be avoided.
You will also get faster results. The test can be executed at the same speed every time to deliver predictable results.
The accuracy and reliability of automated testing can make your software run smoothly and deliver results more efficiently. You can also try the tasks on several different servers. This can help show you possible server issues or other configuration problems.
Best practices for automated testing
To increase confidence and accuracy there are a few general practices to follow.
Measure the success of the automation to make sure it is working properly. You can do this by measuring the automated results versus the manual results. This is not the only way though. You can also measure the percent of defects found, customer satisfaction, and the time required for each release cycle.
You will also need scripting standards. This will ensure that messages are standardized. It will also determine how errors are handled such as system failure or unexpected results.
The right automation tool also needs to be selected. The tool you choose needs to fit your specific requirements to make your software development successful. The scope of your testing also needs to be well detailed.
