January 19, 2021

The Beginner's Guide to Automation Frameworks

Automation
DevOps

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Test automation is key to keeping pace with digital innovation — and preventing big bottlenecks in the SDLC. It helps teams become more efficient, extend test coverage, and reduce time-consuming manual testing. Most teams utilize automation frameworks for this.

While manual testing will always exist to some extent, organizations must strive toward test automation rates of 75-80% and beyond for mature DevOps. Automation frameworks can help.

Keep reading to learn the basics of testing frameworks and how automation can help you release faster.

What Is an Automation Framework?

A test automation framework is just that — a framework from which you can automate tests. They are often based on best practices and assumptions, along with elements such as libraries, test data, and reusable modules. Test automation frameworks execute test scripts and are key to helping you scale your testing.

Some teams create their own automation frameworks to fit their needs. But most rely on open source automation tools. Our recently published State of Test Automation report found that 84% of teams utilize open-source frameworks in their technology stack. It comes as no surprise that so many teams do, given the many benefits they provide.

Benefits of Utilizing an Automation Framework

There’s a reason that so many testing teams have adopted automation frameworks.

Cost-Effective

Most automation frameworks are open source, and thus free. Some operate on freemium models, with advanced features available within a paid version.

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Backed By Active Communities

Most automation frameworks are backed by dynamic and committed communities with robust documentation and steady support. If you run into a testing problem, you have plenty of resources and individuals available to consult online.

Accelerates Testing

Automation frameworks can streamline your testing for more efficient test cycles. Frameworks automatically run tests after the completion of others, reducing downtime and manual intervention.

Increases Test Coverage

By automating more of your tests with an automation framework, you can extend test coverage beyond what would be feasible with manual testing alone.

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Types of Automation Frameworks to Consider

Not all automation frameworks are created equally. Six major automation frameworks to consider include:

  • Linear Automation Framework
  • Modular Driven Framework
  • Behavior Driven Framework
  • Data-Driven Framework
  • Keyword-Driven Framework
  • Hybrid Testing Framework

Let us learn about the different types and how they are used.

Linear Automation Framework

This type of framework is also known as a record-and-playback framework. Testers don’t need to write custom code for linear automation frameworks. Instead, testers can record sequential steps, which are then played back when executing the test.

Modular Driven Framework

Modular driven frameworks approach test automation differently. These automation frameworks break apart the application under test into different sections, which are then tested independently before they are tested as a whole. This makes it easier to adjust test scripts without impacting the entire app.

Behavior Driven Framework

Behavior driven frameworks are built off the software development process behavior driven development (BDD). BDD testing is an Agile methodology and collection of best practices. The main benefit of BDD is that it’s written in plain English, meaning you don’t need to write test scripts.

Data-Driven Framework

Data-driven frameworks work by separating data and test scripts. Data is stored externally, which enables the reuse of test scripts with multiple data sets. And when changes are made to the data or test scripts, it doesn’t affect the other component.

Keyword-Driven Framework

Keyword-driven frameworks work by assigning actions or objects to individual keywords. These are compiled into a function library, and can be reused across different test scripts.

Hybrid Testing Framework

Hybrid testing frameworks combine all features of the above frameworks into one. In this way, it takes advantage of all the benefits and best features of each type of framework.

Leading Automation Frameworks for Mobile & Web

Get a sense of the top testing frameworks available for web and mobile app testing.

Appium

Appium is the leading automation framework for mobile app testing.

Appium

Appium Resources

Selenium

Selenium is the leading automation framework for web app testing.

Selenium

Selenium Resources

Espresso

Espresso is a framework for mobile app test automation, specifically Android.

Espresso

Espresso Resources

XCUITest

XCUITest is an automation framework for iOS mobile apps.

XCUITest

XCUITest Resources

Cypress

Cypress is a front-end dev-friendly framework for testing your web apps.

Cypress

Cypress Resources

Quantum

Quantum is a cross-platform BDD automation framework.

Quantum

Quantum Resources

Pair Automation Frameworks With a Testing Cloud

Automation frameworks can get you set up for automated testing. But that’s just half the equation. You also need a place to execute those tests — such as a testing cloud, like Perfecto.

Perfecto has integrations to whichever framework you use, including Selenium, Appium, Espresso, and XCUITest. With Perfecto, you can execute your tests with an automation framework of choice against cloud-based devices and VMs.

See for yourself how Perfecto can help you add efficiency and even more automation to your testing processes. Get started today for free.

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Eran Kinsbruner

Eran Kinsbruner

DevOps Chief Evangelist & Sr. Director at Perforce Software, Perfecto

Eran Kinsbruner is a person overflowing with ideas and inspiration, beyond that, he makes them happen. He is a best-selling author, continuous-testing and DevOps thought-leader, patent-holding inventor (test exclusion automated mechanisms for mobile J2ME testing), international speaker, and blogger. 

With a background of over 20 years of experience in development and testing, Eran empowers clients to create products that their customers love, igniting real results for their companies.