Test Automation: A Step-by-Step Guide for Building an Automated UI Testing Framework
A testing framework is a set of rules and guidelines that are used to create and design test cases. A reporting structure and a standardized test language are provided for application under test and ensure that the test maintenance costs are reduced. Automated testing frameworks ensure that the associated processes are optimized.
In this article, you will know about the seven steps required to build an automated UI testing framework.
Following are the seven steps required to build an automated UI testing framework:
1. Source control needs to be organized: A folder structure needs to be organized for the test assets. Separate different assets from each other, such as scripts, name mapping criteria, tests etc. For example, files need to be created within the ‘Scripts’ folder for each type of scripts such as utilities, verifications, actions, scripts and event. A file needs to be created for the data.
2. Scrutinize the application thoroughly: Familiarize with the application by going beyond the requirements. Those documents need to be read that outline what the app should and shouldn’t do. Exploratory testing needs to be conducted to get an idea as to how the system’s internal workflows are set-up. This will in turn give an understanding of how an application works. UI objects can be found by creating a system. Based on the tool that is being used, basic name mapping properties can be created.
3. Ascertain the testing environment: Plan as to what is the specific data that needs to be gathered that can be used for the tests and setting up the environment. Configurations need to be set up such that it can run in more than one environment. Event handlers need to be accepted. An event handler is a specific function that consists of code and thus acts as a listener waiting for an event to happen or a script or a series of scripts being triggered.
4. A smoke test project should be built: Before the verifications and utilities are being created, a smoke test project needs to be set up. This set of tests will become the most important as the utilities will be verified. The most vital functions of an application are validated through smoke tests or build verification tests in order to know whether the application works as intended and ascertain whether there is any need for additional testing.
5. Utilities need to be created for screen actions: When the application has been properly familiarized with, data has been gathered and the environment has been set-up, shared utilities needs to be created for common User Interface (UI) actions, such as text input fields and menu navigations. These are the tests basic building blocks through which the test logic can be formed.
Depending upon the tool that is being used, it could be just dragging and dropping pieces into a keyword test. A Framework is allowed in order to drive the verifications and test flow so that for individual tests, minimal maintenance is required.
6. Work upon verifications: In this step, verifications need to be set up. The same logic is applied based on the data that has been structured. For example, the application’s functionality is being tested and on a text field, the requirements are being changed. If the text field that is being verified accepts only numeric characters and not text, then there is a need to update the tests.
7. Streamline the reporting mechanism: Throughout the entire build process, recording and taking notes should be done for verification building, environment, data preparation and exploratory actions. Messages need to be logged in before verifications, stating what needs to be verified and the expected result is. These should be human-readable messages, so that even non-technical users can view the log and know in certainty where and why a failure has occurred.
Conclusion:
If you are looking forward to implementing a UI testing framework for your specific project, then do get connected with a leading software testing services company that will provide you a streamlined testing approach in line with your project specific requirements.
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