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How To Get Started With Software Test Automation

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Today, you will learn how to get started with software test automation. Read on!

For any software to be successful, it has to work without issues. Therefore, testing is a crucial part of software development.

However, manual testing for things like bugs is time-consuming, expensive, and cannot be 100% foolproof due to human error, which is why you should utilize software test automation tools.

Here’s a look at how to get started with software test automation.

Create A Plan Of Action

Don’t just start testing without a plan in place. By creating a plan, you can identify which tests to automate first, which can then serve as a guide for future testing.

Define your goals for the tests so you can determine which types of tests to automate. Types of tests to automate include repetitive tests that run for multiple builds, tests that require multiple data sets, and tests for different hardware or software platforms and configurations.

Once you have determined which types of tests to automate, you can decide which actions the tests will perform. It’s best to divide your tests into several smaller tests to make the test environment more manageable and coherent.

Select The Best Software Test Automation Tools For Your Needs

Select The Best Software Test Automation Tools For Your Needs

Numerous software test automation tools are available, so it’s a good idea to compare different ones to find the tool best suited to your needs.

Furthermore, you don’t even need to pay for a software test automation tool because there are free ones available that are just as competent as pay-for ones. For example, TestProject is a community-powered end-to-end test automation platform for web, mobile, and API testing that is free to use.

READ ALSO: How A PDF Can Contain Malware

Understand Tests That Involve Scripts And Keywords

Automated tests that are created with scripts or keywords are dependent on the software or application being tested. That’s because the user interface can change between builds, particularly during the early stages.

Your test results can be affected. In a worst-case scenario, your automated tests might not work with future versions of the software or application.

The issue is that automated testing tools utilize a series of properties to identify and locate objects, so if objects are moved, the testing tool will fail to find them.

To run automated tests successfully in such circumstances, replace old names with new ones for the entire project before testing against the new version.

Alternatively, you can use an automation testing company like testguild.com if you have a limited technical team.

Store Test Data In An External File

You should store the data that is entered into the input fields during the automated testing process in an external file. The data could be read from a data source like Excel sheets or XML files or from a database. The best automation testing tools understand the contents of those data files.

By using external data storage, your automated tests become easier to maintain and reusable. And when you need to add different testing scenarios, those data files can easily be extended without having to edit the actual automated tests.

Place Members Of Your Team Where They Are Best Suited

Place Members Of Your Team Where They Are Best Suited

While it may sound obvious, it’s worth mentioning that you should divide automated testing efforts between your team according to their skillsets.

First, identify the experience and skills of each team member. You can then divide your automated testing tasks accordingly.

For instance, writing automated test scripts requires expert knowledge of scripting languages, so some team members will be better suited to write test cases than others. 

When you put the right person in the right role, in addition to utilizing the features of software test automation tools, you can ensure your testing process goes much more smoothly and efficiently.

READ ALSO: Test Automation: Features, Benefits, And Challenges Of Automated Testing

How To Get Started With Software Test Automation: FAQs

How do I start automation testing for beginners?

  • Learn a programming language: While knowledge of specific languages varies by project, Python, Java, and C# are popular choices. Start with the basics and gradually progress to writing test automation scripts.
  • Choose a test automation framework: Frameworks like Selenium, Cypress, and Appium offer pre-built functionalities to streamline your automation process. Explore options and choose one that aligns with your project and language.
  • Understand testing concepts: Grasp fundamental testing principles like test cases, test design, and black-box vs. white-box testing.
  • Join online communities and resources: Seek support and learn from experienced automation testers through forums, tutorials, and online courses.
  • Practice with small projects: Begin by automating simple tasks on personal projects or open-source software to gain practical experience.

How do I become an automated software tester?

  • Build your technical skills: Master a programming language, learn test automation frameworks, and understand testing concepts.
  • Gain hands-on experience: Start with personal projects, contribute to open-source automation efforts, or participate in internships to gain practical knowledge.
  • Enroll in certification courses: While not mandatory, certifications like ISTQB Certified Tester – Foundation Level can enhance your resume and showcase your commitment.
  • Network with the testing community: Connect with other testers at conferences, online forums, and meetups to learn from their experiences and discover job opportunities.
  • Build your portfolio: Showcase your automation skills through personal projects, open-source contributions, or freelance work.

How do I get started in automation?

  • Identify your automation goals: What specific tasks or areas do you want to automate? Define clear objectives to guide your learning.
  • Assess your resources: Consider your technical background, available tools, and project requirements before jumping in.
  • Start small and scale: Don't try to automate everything at once. Begin with manageable tasks and gradually expand your automation scope.
  • Learn from mistakes: Automation isn't always smooth sailing. Embrace challenges, analyze failures, and continuously improve your scripts.
  • Stay updated: The automation landscape evolves rapidly. Keep learning about new tools, frameworks, and best practices.

READ ALSO: What Programming Skills Do Pen Testers Need?

How do you introduce yourself as an automation tester?

  • Highlight your skills and experience: Briefly mention your proficiency in programming languages, test automation frameworks, and relevant tools.
  • Focus on the value you bring: Explain how your automation expertise can improve testing efficiency, accuracy, and coverage.
  • Share your achievements: If you have any successful automation projects or contributions, mention them to showcase your capabilities.
  • Express your passion: Briefly convey your enthusiasm for automation and your eagerness to learn and grow in this field.

A Final Word

Remember, the journey towards becoming an automated software tester is a continuous learning process. Embrace the challenges, stay curious, and contribute to the ever-evolving world of software testing!


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Marie Beaujolie is a computer network engineer and content writer from Paris. She is passionate about technology and exploring new ways to make people’s lives easier. Marie has been working in the IT industry for many years and has a wealth of knowledge about computer security and best practices. She is a regular contributor for SecureBlitz.com, where she writes about the latest trends and news in the cyber security industry. Marie is committed to helping people stay safe online and encouraging them to take the necessary steps to protect their data.

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