Automation Testing Frameworks: A Comprehensive Guide for 2023

Introduction

A common question that every QA tester faces while testing is what automation framework and tool should be used for better results that are reliable and aren’t very costly and time-consuming. Doesn’t matter if you are a fresher or an expert QA tester, software engineers always struggle to find the best test automation tools and frameworks due to never-ending updates and releases of new products in the market. 

In this article, you will get a chance to learn thoroughly about automation testing, its tools and framework structures, and how to select the best automation framework for your project. To solve all of your automation testing-related queries, stick along and learn something valuable to your knowledge.

What is Automation Testing?

Most of you might have heard about the term automation testing. But what is it? In this article, we will learn about it. 

Manual and Automation are two different types of testing. In manual testing, tests are designed and performed to improve any functionality defects in software applications or websites by humans. This testing involves a manual tester who performs all these tests manually. This process is time-consuming and chances of human error can leave some parts untouched, or there can be difficulty in 100% bug removal from the application.

Due to manual testing being quite time-consuming and the results can be unreliable sometimes, a different testing procedure or approach can be adopted to make the testing process faster and more cost-effective with Automation Testing.

Automation testing is a type of testing in which test scripts are designed and run automatically without human intervention. In automation testing, test cases can be reapplied several times and several moments without the hassle of doing it manually. When tests are carried out via an automation process, the testing procedure not only becomes faster but also becomes more accurate and reliable.

What is an Automation Testing Framework?

The automation procedure requires better test automation tools and frameworks. These frameworks are a set of rules and guidelines according to which test cases can be designed. Testing frameworks are a set of instructions that help to create automation tests and test cases properly without any error. These testing frameworks are a combination of tools and procedures that work together to create these test cases. 

Let us understand that concept with the help of a general example. Consider you have a mold via which you are making different copies of something like plates. Software automation testing frameworks are like these molds that are used to create identical copies of something again and again. These molds are reusable for producing multiple copies of different colors but all of them would be of the same design and size. In this case, these molds are the testing frameworks and the produced products are the test cases. 

What are the main components of the Automation Testing Framework?

Software automation frameworks are made up of several parts that are called components of frameworks of automation testing. Overall there are the following types of components:

• System to Be Tested

The first major component of test frameworks of automation testing is the system to be tested. All the subsystems that come under the system to be tested should be quite stable and should work as a whole to start the testing. If the subsystems are not connected properly, automation testing will not be cost-effective.

• Testing Platform

Testing platforms are the 2nd most important component. These platforms are a network setup on which the QA automation frameworks are placed to be tested. These testing platforms are to be placed first for the proper execution of the tests.

• Test Case Library

Reusable test steps of basic utilities are created and then compiled to create libraries. Each library consists of test steps that are the building blocks of automated test scripts. These basic utilities are very important for automation test cases because each of these utilities performs a distinct task that is necessary to assist the automation process of test cases.

• Automated Testing Practices

This step involved documentation of the test procedures and techniques to have better efficiency in test automation. The processes of how to perform automation with test tools and test case libraries must be documented to have consistency across all the test cases developed by different test engineers. When all the procedures and techniques are automated, we could achieve better efficiency in the test automation process.

• Testing Tools

Multiple kinds of tools are required for easy creation and development of test scripts and test cases. These tools can be a test automation tool, traffic generation tool, traffic monitoring tool, support tool, etc. There are other types of tools that are required for proper execution of tests and easy test creation like test factory, requirement analysis, defect tracking, and configuration management tools. These test automation and support tools work in collaboration to perform tasks such as defect tracking tools that can report reports of failed test cases.

Reasons why we need Automation Testing Frameworks?

With the growing demand for apps and software, developers are always under pressure to create reliable products at lightning-fast speed. For this purpose, automation is their biggest support. Automation also provides several benefits such as:

• No manual involvement

The key benefit of the software automation framework is that there is no manual intervention in the procedure. With this feature, you won’t have to retype data every time the test is started, nor will you have to run the test scripts manually. Test automation frameworks don’t require proper monitoring of the test procedure, because the test will keep on moving automatically once started. In the end, you will get the most reliable results without even doing the hassle of monitoring and handling it throughout the test.

• Cost reduction process

QA automation frameworks help you to save enormous amounts of money from your overall testing cost. Maintaining test tools is an expensive process and requires a high amount of money and manpower to be adjusted. However, in the automation procedure, the code can be preserved even with some changes in it. This thing saves you from the hassle of maintaining tools and writing new scripts every time you conduct a test.

• Agile modularity

The frameworks of automation testing give you an opportunity of reusing the login code for test scripts. This thing saves you from the hassle of putting the login information every time you run a test case. Without manually adding login information every time you run a test script, the testing procedure becomes a lot easier and quicker. 

• Reuse and recycle feature

QA automation frameworks come with a key feature of common libraries. These libraries store reusable test steps and test scripts which can be used every time you need them without doing them manually every time you need them. Also, if you are working on the same files several times, you won’t have to create new files every time you are performing a new test but can take them from the libraries.

• Better resource utilization

API Automation testing frameworks help in the better utilization of resources by focusing on the needs of the organization. These frameworks provide processes and guidelines which help the testers to use all the available resources in a calculated and optimized way. With the help of these instructions, all the set goals can be achieved in a more streamlined way. These frameworks support achieving the requirements by making a match between the available resources and set targets.

• Increased ROI

Another very tempting benefit of software automation testing frameworks is that they provide a better return on investment(ROI) to the company. With the help of automation testing, a company can speed up its productivity speed and can increase the reliability of its products. These testing frameworks also help to save costs by eliminating the need to hire extra labor to conduct the tests. A tester can perform a lot of tests with the help of these frameworks of automation testing without any external help by just running the scripts. As a result, these frameworks of automation testing provide high ROI in a long-term process.

• Remote testing

Software automation frameworks save you from the hassle of conducting all the tests by yourself by staying at the office. Executing tests this way is not only time-consuming, but it also reduces the productivity of the team because they are engaged in finding bugs by repeating the same tests several times by putting the information manually. QA automation frameworks provide the feature of remote testing with which you can conduct the test without being at the office. You can start the test before coming to the office, and the results will be declared before you reach the office. It saves you from being stuck at the office all the time, and you can also conduct the test 24/7 anywhere.

• Continuous testing

Continuous testing is another great feature that comes with frameworks of automation testing. With the growing demands of new software, applications, and websites, testers are under continuous pressure to produce more and more products in less time. Continuous production demands continuous testing to make the products error-free. Achieving continuous testing manually is quite tiresome and costly because several testers would have to be deployed to achieve the goal. The QA automation frameworks provide the quickest way to make your code reach production as fast as possible with a fully automated software pipeline.

• Produce more output in less time

Automation speeds up every process. From bug finding to fixing, test execution, synchronization, local configuration, report generation, and many other tasks can be automated with the help of software automation testing frameworks. When these tasks are automated, the speed of the tasks increases by many folds which as a result increases the overall production rate. Performing these tasks manually is not only time-consuming but also takes a lot of manpower to conduct these tests. First, it takes time to complete the tasks, and then the processes are to be repeated when an issue is found in these products. The more time invested in creation and testing, the less production will be produced in the given period. Automation saves the testers from this hassle and speeds up their overall production.

• Bug removal at an early stage

Automating the bug-finding process makes it a lot faster. With the help of automation, enormous amounts of data can be checked in a very short period making the testing process much faster. The same process if done manually would take a lot of time and also there are chances of some bugs being undetected due to the chances of human error. These bugs when found later during development cost a high amount of money to get removed. Software automation frameworks help to find the bugs in an initial stage which saves the testers a lot of time and money.

• The enhanced volume of testing

Frameworks of automation testing cover much of the testing volume that can never be covered with manual testing. Many mobile phones are released now and then. In the same way, digital products are released that are needed to be tested across all these mobile devices to make sure that the app is functional across every suitable device across the globe. Performing this task manually is not feasible because it can take a lot of time and man force. Automation testing frameworks do the same task with the help of just one tester. This helps to cover a large amount of data with very little effort and very little time involved.

• Simultaneous testing

When tests are conducted simultaneously across multiple devices, the testing not only becomes fast but also requires less effort to perform the task. Software Automation testing frameworks help to create automated test scripts that can run across multiple devices. When the scripts are automated, the tester can easily run them on every device to generate reliable test reports. With the help of these scripts, the testing process can be started across multiple devices at the same time. This way, the testing procedure doesn’t consume much time, nor does it cost a heavy fortune to achieve the required results.

• Enhanced speed and reliability

Automating testing procedures increase the speed and reliability of the testing process. API frameworks of automation testing help the testers to perform multiple test scenarios simultaneously which helps to reduce the time and effort for testing. When tests are performed manually, the tester needs to enter all the information again and again with every changing scenario. But in automation testing, the frameworks create these scenarios and run them at a higher speed and save you from reentering the data every time the test is repeated. 

When testing is performed with automation, the results produced are not only quick but also reliable. Manual testing involves human intervention which sometimes doesn’t give authentic results due to human error. However, in automation, test automation tools and frameworks are involved and all the work is done automatically. Hence when no risk of human error is involved, the produced results are more reliable.

Benefits of Automation Testing

The automation testing procedure is the game changer in the field of QA and testing. These testing frameworks are quite crucial in the development procedure due to their multiple benefits. These testing frameworks not only speed up the testing process but also help to create reusable test scripts. These test scripts help to create test cases that can be used again and again and help to achieve the desired results without any slight difference in all the products. QA automation frameworks allow reusing the codes in different scenarios. QA automation frameworks provide the benefit of better test coverage and the results produced are always more reliable than the results produced with manual testing.

Types of Automation Testing

Frameworks of automation testing have made the testing procedure quite easier and faster. With the help of these frameworks, the testers can produce reusable test scripts that can be used again and again without the hassle of adding the information every time you create a test script. For frameworks of automation testing, there are the following types:

Linear Scripting Framework

It is the simplest form of testing. Linear testing is performed on products where only a basic sort of testing is required. Linear testing is mostly performed on small applications. This testing is also named “record and playback” testing. It has got this name due to the process involved in this testing. In a linear scripting framework, the testers first record the actions of the user. He manually records each step performed by the user like the inputs and navigations and then performs the validation steps like inserting checkpoints. After everything is important, the tester can easily play back all the steps automatically in a sequential manner. Linear scripting framework has the following pros and cons:

Pros:

• Expertise in automation is not required to use this framework
• It’s easy to perform because the scripts are set out in order
• Provides the quickest way to generate a test script
• The easiest way to learn the testing tool features

Cons:

• It requires a lot of maintenance 
• Test data is hardcoded in the script
• It doesn’t require test scripts

Modular Testing Framework

Executing a modular testing framework is a fun process. In this testing framework, the tester first would have to divide the whole application or software into several smaller parts. The application is divided into several smaller sections, functions, or units under test. After breaking down the application into modules, a test script is created for each part. These smaller test scripts created for each unit are then combined to create a larger test. These larger test scripts are then combined further to create test scripts. The modular testing framework offers the following pros and cons:

Pros:

• To change anything in the application, only the module and individual test scripts require changes
• Created test scripts can be reused for creating test cases. As a result, the creation of test cases becomes effortless
• Division of application and scripts ensure easy maintenance and scalability

Cons:

• Multiple data sets can not be used because the tests are executed separately.
• Setting up the framework is difficult, hence programming knowledge is required for the execution

Library Architecture Testing Framework

The library architecture testing framework is just like a modular testing framework. But they both have one major difference. In library architecture testing, the application is not divided into smaller sections, units, and modules. Instead of this the framework reads the test scripts thoroughly and then identifies and stores similar tasks into a library. This library is quite crucial in this testing because it performs necessary functions when test scripts are created. It offers the following pros and cons:

Pros:

• Just like modular testing, it also requires an extreme level of breaking process and modularization. Hence the scalability and maintenance effort is reduced and it becomes cost-effective.
• The functional library is reusable and can be used again and again for the same purpose of test scripts. Hence this testing has a higher level of reusability.

Cons:

• Just like the modular testing framework, coding knowledge is required for the smooth execution of tests
• First, the application is broken into pieces, then individual test scripts are created to create a proper test case. Hence it takes more time to create final test scripts
• Test data is hard coded into the scripts. Due to this, any changes to the data will require changes to the test scripts

Data-Driven Testing Framework

Data-Driven Testing Framework is the framework in which the data can be separated from the test scripts. In this testing framework, the testers can easily separate the test data from the scripts and then can store this data in external platforms for future use. This data facilitates the testers during the type of testing when they need to perform the testing with different sets of data. There are cases when testers need to test the same feature of an application, software, or website multiple times but with different sets of data. In such cases, the testing becomes super difficult if the data is encrypted hard into the test script as it happens in linear and modular testing frameworks. 

This testing helps the testers to store and pass the information to test scripts from an external data source such as Excel Spreadsheets, text files, SQL Tables, or ODBC repositories. It has the following pros and cons:

Pros:

• Test execution becomes simpler and easier with multiple data sets
• The need for scripts gets lowered because multiple scenarios can be tested with variable data
• Data can be separated from the test scripts, hence changes in data do not affect data and vice versa
• It helps save time by faster test execution

Cons:

• It is time-consuming. Takes a lot of time to set up a data-driven testing framework.
• A highly professional tester is required with immense knowledge of different programming languages to conduct the tests properly.

Hybrid-Testing Framework

The hybrid testing framework is one of the most useful testing frameworks. As the name suggests, in this testing framework two different frameworks are combined to create a new testing framework in which one framework covers the weaknesses of the other one, and the tester can benefit from the advantages of both frameworks. This testing framework provides fast and more reliable results because it combines the benefits of two different testing frameworks and mitigates the risks involved. It involves the following pros and cons:

Pros:

• It gives you the opportunity of combining two different testing frameworks like data-driven and any of the other frameworks.
• Test data, keywords, and functions can be used for multiple tests.
• It makes the testing process easier because in this testing you can easily update individual test cases instead of changing all of the test cases.
• Tests become more understandable when they are written with a hybrid testing framework instead of a general testing framework

Cons:

• Just because it involves two frameworks, setting up a hybrid testing framework is comparatively more difficult than other testing frameworks
• Due to its complexity, team members might require extra training to understand the framework
• Involving two frameworks at a time usually costs more money to develop and maintain.

Keyword Driven Testing Framework

Keyword-driven testing framework is an extension of a data-driven testing framework. In a keyword-driven testing framework, just like data-driven keyword testing, test data is separated from the test scripts. But in addition to this, test codes are also separated from the test data and are then put into an external file. These separated codes are also termed keywords, which also gives this testing its name. These separated codes or keywords are self-guiding i.e., they guide about what actions need to be performed on the application. These keywords are arranged in a sort of tabular-like structure which is also termed a Table Driven Framework. Following are the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Test scripts can be created without considering the application which is being tested
• The code or keywords are reusable, hence they can be used across multiple test scripts
• Unlike data-driven testing, very low scripting knowledge is required to conduct the tests

Cons:

• This setup is complex, hence it is very difficult to handle
• It is time-consuming. It takes a lot of time to execute these tests
• Due to complexity, setting up this testing framework is quite costly
• The tester should be an expert in automation testing to ensure streamlined testing
• The testers have to undergo the hassle of keeping on creating keywords tables and building the repositories when scaling a test operation.

Behavior-Driven Testing Framework

Behavior Driven Testing Framework allows everyone such as Developers, Testers, and Analysts to actively participate by creating a platform. This testing framework provides a big opportunity for collaboration between development and test teams. This testing doesn’t require the tester to be familiar with the programming language to use it and it can be used with non-technical and natural language to create test specifications. It has these pros and cons:

Pros:

• Test specifications can be created by non-technical and natural language

Cons:

• Specific skills and prior experience in the test-driven development procedure are required to ensure the smooth running of the framework.

Page Object Model:

The page object model is also known as POM. It is a design pattern in Selenium that helps to create code duplication. It also helps to reduce test case maintenance. In the page object model, all web elements are stored in an object repository which is created by this model. POM can perform operations on the under-test websites with the help of elements that are present in class files. These class files are basically web pages of applications. This model presents the following pros and cons:

Pros:

• All web pages are stored in a single place to reduce code duplication
• Code is more readable and easy to maintain

Cons:

• It requires very skilled labor
• More effort, time, and money are required to set up this model

How to select the best automation testing framework?

Choosing the best suitable frameworks for automation testing is quite crucial to make the testing process more productive and effective. The testers must keep several things in mind before deciding which framework to select such as:

• The first step to follow during selection is to thoroughly analyze the context of the application and testing requirements to make the process authentic
• You need to thoroughly check that the given advantages of the testing frameworks are way more than the disadvantages considering your project in the short as well as long term.
• These testing frameworks must be selected keeping in mind that they must ensure high ROI
• Use an authentic testing framework with a good reputation and results in the market, is well known and well established, and has good documentation and proven results in the industry.
• Analyze the complexity level of the framework, the level of difficulty to use it, and the number of qualified professionals you have in your company that can use it.

All of the above-given points are crucial to make you decide which testing framework would suit you and your business the best in terms of money, feasibility, and productivity.

Most popular Automation Testing Framework Examples

Frameworks of automation testing have a huge variety and they come in many options that you can select from for your business. All of these given frameworks are tried and tested by testers and are well-known in the market. Here, we have mentioned all the quality frameworks and their key benefits along with them. Following are one of the most popular testing frameworks:

1. WebdriverIO

WebdriverIO is an automation testing framework that is built with the foundation of Node.js. It supports both Webdriver Protocols and Chrome Devtools. Due to its many features, it is termed the greatest open-source test automation framework. WebdriverIO is good for automating any application with frameworks like React, Angular, and Polymer. It can also automate native mobile applications for Android and IOS.

2. TestCafe

TestCafe is also a cross-browser testing framework that is also based on Node.js and it utilizes your current browser. This testing framework provides a higher level of API for interacting with multiple applications. The TestCafe framework makes it easier and simpler for testers to write simple tests such as clicking buttons, filling out forms, and many other easy actions. It also allows you to execute tests in multiple browsers at the same time.

3. NightwatchJS

This testing framework provides end-to-end testing for web applications and websites. Nightwatch.JS is also built on Node.js, and it is integrated and friendly in terms of websites and web apps. It ensures continuous integration and uses W3C web driver API to control browsers and issues assertions and instructions. It is quite flexible as it allows developers to develop plugins and expand the built-in commands. 

4. Puppeteer

Puppeteer is based on Node.js and contains a high-level API for controlling programs like Chrome or Chromium browsers. It is an open-source Node.js library that is developed by Google which allows developers to automate tests by simulating real users’ behavior like clicking and scrolling etc. It utilizes the performance analysis tool of Chrome for load measuring. 

5. Gauge

Gauge is a framework that is compatible with programming languages like Ruby, Java, Javascript, and many more languages, and it is also utilized for acceptance testing. It tests two files, the first one is a specification file that has a resemblance with the Cucumber framework but it has a very different syntax. The second file it tests is the Cucumber definition file. It is simple to integrate with DevOps tools and facilitates to conduct parallel tests.

6. JUnit

Junit testing framework provides detailed assertions for outcomes that are predicated and helps test runners execute tests. It is different from other testing frameworks due to its GUI, which helps to write repeatable and manageable test cases. It is widely used in software applications for its special quality of more organized and robust test cases.

7. TestNG

This testing framework can cover the weaknesses of the JUnit testing framework to execute streamlined end-to-end testing. In TestNG, the NG word shows “next generation”. This testing can generate a report of passed, failed, and skipped tests from which the failed tests can be executed immediately. It enables annotations and offers various Java and OOP features. 

8. Selenide

Selenide is a Java Based testing framework that provides concise and fluent API for testing and UI testing. It has a different built foundation than the other testing frameworks i.eIt is built on Selenium WebDriver. It enables the users to use its low-level features and it imports features and functions from Selenide. This testing framework Selenide was created primarily for automated testing. 

9. NodeJS

Node.js is an open-source testing framework that is used by testers to create cross-platform environments, networking and server-side applications, and a JavaScript application library. It is built on a JavaScript platform named V8 Engine, and it is used to create web applications and websites that stream videos. It has the benefit of reducing uploading time for audio and videos. It is highly scalable as it allows the server to reply in a non-blocking manner.

10. Jest

It is also an open-source testing framework that is based on JavaScript and it is used to create react-based applications and help to create scenarios for other JavaScript base codebases. Jess is one of the most famous open-source testing frameworks due to its additional features as it comes with a test runner, an assertion, and with a mocking built-in library. It also helps in reducing the time required to initiate the tests,

11. Mocha

Mocha is a framework of automation testing that is based on JavaScript and it runs on Node.Js. It provides many benefits including asynchronous testing, test coverage, and test reporting. With Mocha, tests are executed in a parallel fashion which allows for customizable reporting. It also helps to execute test cases directly and to assign appropriate test cases to uncaught exceptions. It is also compatible with all browsers and provides a wonderful experience on browsers while using. 

12. Jasmine

It is one of the most famous testing frameworks which is based on JavaScript and it has a syntax that is quite easy to use. It has been influenced by unit-based frameworks such as JSpec, JSSpec, ScrewUnit, etc. It can be run on any platform that supports JavaScript. It creates test duplicates with spies and supports asynchronous testing. Jasmine frameworks of automation testing have a very simple syntax to read and it also provides front-end code testing. 

13. Laravel

Laravel is a web app framework that can be used for performing various purposes like expressive code, rapid error handling, traffic control, etc with only one command. It has a very expressive syntax and clean code. It helps in reducing security concerns and issues like SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and cross-site request forgery. 

14. Pytest

Pytest is a Python-based testing framework that creates test programs with the help of Python programming language. It can create any type of test like unit tests or functional tests. It can write simple test cases and is scalable. It is easy to use and has a straightforward syntax and it runs in parallel tests. 

Tools for Automation Testing:

When it comes to tools, there are a lot of options available in the market that are reliable and quite effective in their functioning. Following are one of the most famous tools:

1. Selenium

Selenium is an automation tool mainly used for performing automation testing of web applications. It allows users to write test scripts that can interact with the websites simulating human behavior like button pressing, filling out forms, and navigation between pages. It is used for web applications automation and supports multiple languages java, python, javascript, C#, and Ruby.

2. Cypress

Cypress testing tool is used mainly for applications. This testing framework is easy to use and is relatively new in the field of checking online applications and is highly favored by the community of developers. Testing of applications becomes easy, quick, and effective with this testing framework.

3. Playwright

The playwright is a cross-browser testing tool that is created by Microsoft for end-to-end testing and uses a Node.js module to automate Chromium, Firefox, and Webkit. It is highly preferred by a huge quantity of testers who call the framework reliable and give it preference over all other testing frameworks. Playwright testing framework can be conducted with the help of Node.Js, TypeScript, and JavaScript. 

4. Appium

Appium testing framework is specialized in testing every kind of application including Android, IOS, and Windows and it tests native, mobile, and web applications. It can create tests for several platforms. It has the key benefit of using multiple programming languages including Java, Ruby, and Python. It is also supported on all real devices and simulators.

5. Robot framework

Robot framework is a tool that offers the codes or keywords in a tabular format and also adheres to several test case formats. For acceptance testing and acceptance test-driven development, the robot framework is an open-source framework for test automation. It provides good support to libraries and with its help, test scripts can be created for several platforms. 

6. Cucumber

Cucumber is a trustworthy testing framework that combines test plans and documentation. It used behavior-driven development for automation testing. Nowadays it is programmed in a new test script called Gherkin however it used to be programmed in Ruby first. It provides the benefit of bridging the gap between business and technical language. 

Which is the best Automation Testing Framework?

There are many testing frameworks available in the market for automation testing like linear, modular, database, and many others. All of these have their advantages and disadvantages at the same time. Testers can adopt these testing frameworks depending upon their compatibility with their project, their expectations and scope of testing, and the experience of their team. All of these testing frameworks are used in Siznam and we have a strong grip on them but according to our team and its experience with these testing frameworks, the Linear automation testing framework is the best one due to its simplicity, effectiveness and many other included benefits.

Conclusion

There are multiple types of frameworks of automation testing like linear, modular, and data driven and there are several examples of these frameworks that are popular and can be used easily like Selenium, Cypress, Appium etc depending upon your business requirements and needs. All of these frameworks have their advantages and disadvantages which you can consider before selection. If you still have queries regarding testing frameworks, please consult with Siznam. Your most trusted QA partner.