Advantages of using automation testing framework
A properly designed automation testing framework will provide below benefits:
- Easy to maintain
If we are not using a Automation framework, and just coding the test cases individually, it is going to be a real chaotic process. Framework provides the backbone to the whole testing process. Test data, test scripts, libraries and other integrated tools, all are kept separated from each other. This give better clarity and helps in maintenance and extension of the automation framework when required.
- Scalable when any application enhancement takes place
As we saw in above point, a properly designed automation framework leaves space for scalability during future enhancements. No application is stagnant and change is the key feature of any application. There is no point in designing a system which is not scalable.
- Easy to understand
Better designing and architecture of automation framework helps the new team members to understand the framework quickly, and they can start working on it right away.
- Reusable by other applications
Once a framework is ready, it can be used across multiple applications with few changes based on the application.
- Time-efficient
When manual dependency is side-lined, the automation test suites can be run automatically. Definitely it is time efficient and manual-errors can also be avoided.
- Cost-efficient
Initial cost of creating an automation test framework is substantial, because it requires time and human-effort both. However once designed, it removes human dependency for executing, reporting the test cases and becomes cost-efficient in long run.
- Provides broader test-coverage
Human test execution requires more time and prone to human-error. With automation a broader test-coverage can be achieved. E.g. with the use of data-driven testing.
- Provides consistent results
There is no chance of inconsistent data input in automation testing, and hence every time consistent results are achieved for a stable application. Automation testing framework will always run what has been coded and what has been provided as data input.
- Provides better reliability
We can count upon automation testing, because of consistent results, broader test coverage, and timely execution. Because of these qualities the defects are uncovered early before the code being deployed in production. This enhances the sense of reliability in the customer for the application.
- Minimum manual interaction required
Once the automation framework is ready, the test run can be started automatically and execution, reporting everything is taken care of by the automation testing framework or tool itself.
