Test automation is the process of taking repeatable testing actions carried out by a human and setting up a machine to carry it out instead. Test automation may come in the form of off the shelf tools or tools that have been developed by the team.
In testing, the purpose of automation is to help support a tester or the team. We can think of automation as a testing tool. Using the right tool can mean increased productivity as repeated activities are sped up. A good tool can be used repeatedly with the same output each time, and there's little risk of human error.
The output of certain tools can be used to stem new text testing activities. Overreliance on test automation can mean you have gaps in your testing and feedback. It's important to remember problems first, tools second. Using a tool because it's popular can lead to problems, so it's best to choose a tool that is specific to your problem. Test automation comes with a cost to set up and maintain.
Test automation examples:
In testing, the purpose of automation is to help support a tester or the team. We can think of automation as a testing tool. Using the right tool can mean increased productivity as repeated activities are sped up. A good tool can be used repeatedly with the same output each time, and there's little risk of human error.
The output of certain tools can be used to stem new text testing activities. Overreliance on test automation can mean you have gaps in your testing and feedback. It's important to remember problems first, tools second. Using a tool because it's popular can lead to problems, so it's best to choose a tool that is specific to your problem. Test automation comes with a cost to set up and maintain.
Test automation examples:
- You could go for simulating user behavior on a browser with a tool like WebDriver.
- Rapidly generating test data using Bug Magnet or Pearl Clip.
- Creating HTTP requests with Postman.
