All software must undergo testing before being made available to users. Software testing is an essential step in the development process since it guarantees that users will receive products of high quality. Every business prioritizes testing, and the majority of them prefer automation testing to manual testing.

This is because each feature is manually tested throughout the manual testing process, during which the testing team creates a variety of test cases. If a flaw is discovered, the developers are informed so they can correct the mistakes. Once more, the procedure is repeated until a defect-free product is obtained.

Manual testing takes a lot of time. Planning, issue tracking, and reliability analysis are required for managing the testing process, which adds to its complexity. 

On the other hand, automated testing uses testing technologies to automate standard testing procedures, which speeds up, reduces costs, and increases the effectiveness of the development process.

Enterprises are striving to unify their testing setup even though automation testing is still in its infancy in order to properly automate their legacy, desktop, online, and mobile programs with a single tool. The test automation framework can be seen here. No matter the tools they employ, it allows them to standardize all of their test automation assets.

The Automation Framework is what?

Automation Framework is a group of tools and procedures that operate together to provide automated testing of any application. It is not a single product or procedure. It combines many features, including libraries, test information, and numerous reusable modules.

Automation Framework's Importance in Software Testing

As a technical implementation standard, the framework facilitates automation testing. Consider the case of a testing team that consists of individuals depending on various automation testing codes. Additionally, they are unable to understand how common scripts and pieces of code are changed by a team member in a project work.

The automation framework not only allows for the reuse of the code in many scenarios, but it also aids in the standardization of the test script writing for the team. As a result, the test automation framework takes care of every problem. The following are a few more advantages of adopting automated framework testing:

• Keep a consistent approach throughout the test suites

• accelerated pace of test execution

• The test code will be simple to maintain.

• It is possible to accurately test the URL or application.

• Coding and delivery will be continuously tested.

When you need to run the same test scripts repeatedly with various builds to analyze the application and verify output, a test automation framework can be useful. Since creating an automation script takes time, it is best to avoid automating functionality testing that you have just used once.

Types of test automation frameworks:

Every automation framework has a unique architecture, benefits, and drawbacks. Here are a few of these frameworks:

• Framework for Linear Automation

• Framework Driven by Modules

• Behaviorally driven framework

• Framework Driven by Data

• Framework Driven by Keywords

• Framework for Hybrid Testing

Initial Linear Automation Framework

Small application testing frequently makes use of the linear Automation framework. A record and playback framework is another name for this system.

Benefits: Because there is no need to build proprietary code, test automation skills are not required.

Cons: Because the data is hardcoded in the test script, it is impossible to run the test cases again with other sets of data. If the data is changed, you must make certain adjustments.

Modular-driven framework

In this Framework, the tester can write test scripts independently by segmenting the entire program into smaller parts in accordance with customer requirements.

Pros: A framework that is powered by modules ensures that scripts are divided, which makes maintenance and scalability easier. Independent test scripts can be written.

Cons: It takes more time to analyze the test cases and find reusable flows with the modular-driven structure.

 Framework for Behavior-Driven Development

The goal of the Behavior Driven Development framework is to build a platform that encourages active participation from all users, including developers, testers, business analysts, etc. Additionally, it improves cooperation on your project between the developers and testers.

Advantages: When using behavior-driven testing, test specifications can be written in plain, non-technical language.

Cons: Working with this framework requires both significant technical know-how and prior expertise in test-driven development.

 Framework for Data-driven Testing

The test script typically reads test data from external files such as Excel files, text files, CSV files, ODBC sources, and DAO objects, and loads that data into variables. We can write test automation scripts using the data-driven architecture by passing various test data sets.

Benefits: It requires fewer scripts overall. This allows for the testing of many scenarios with less code.

Cons: To fully utilize the concept, you will require a highly skilled tester who is knowledgeable in a variety of programming languages.

The Framework for Keyword-Driven Testing

Table-driven testing is another name for the keyword-driven testing framework. This framework is only appropriate for small applications or projects. The keywords listed in the project's Excel sheet serve as the basis for the automation test scripts that are executed.

Advantages: Because a single term can be used in numerous test scripts, code reuse is possible.

Cons: Setting up the framework requires a significant initial investment and is difficult and time-consuming. 

The Framework for Hybrid Test Automation

The advantages of keyword-driven and data-driven frameworks are combined using hybrid frameworks.

Benefits: This kind makes use of the advantages of many connected frameworks.

Cons: A hybrid testing framework fully scripts tests, which increases the automation effort.

All of these test automation frameworks can be used successfully to handle the code in a methodical manner that is simple for a third party to review. The framework can be chosen based on the needs of the project, the team's experience, available time, and financial constraints. The standardization of test automation frameworks increases productivity. Adopting the framework will ensure that your development process has the most test coverage possible.

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