BreadcrumbHomeResourcesBlog The Beginner's Guide To Automation Frameworks January 19, 2021 The Beginner's Guide to Automation FrameworksAutomationDevOpsBy Eran KinsbrunerTest 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 test automation 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 test 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 FrameworkThere’s a reason that so many testing teams have adopted test automation frameworks.Cost-EffectiveMost test automation frameworks are open source, and thus free. Some operate on freemium models, with advanced features available within a paid version.Get your free copy of The Complete Guide to Mobile Automation Testing.Read eBookBacked By Active CommunitiesMost test 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 TestingTest 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 CoverageBy automating more of your tests with a test automation framework, you can extend test coverage beyond what would be feasible with manual testing alone.Download your free copy of the Test Coverage Index.Get the IndexTypes of Test Automation Frameworks to ConsiderNot all automation frameworks are created equally. Six major automation frameworks to consider include:Linear Automation FrameworkModular Driven FrameworkBehavior Driven FrameworkData-Driven FrameworkKeyword-Driven FrameworkHybrid Testing FrameworkLet us learn about the different types and how they are used.Linear Automation FrameworkThis 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 FrameworkModular 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 FrameworkBehavior 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 FrameworkData-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 FrameworkKeyword-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 FrameworkHybrid 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.Get the most out of your testing with automation frameworks — Perfecto is the industry's most-trusted testing platform for a reason. Start testing FREE today with our 14-day free trial!Start TrialLeading Automation Frameworks for Mobile & WebGet a sense of the top testing frameworks available for web and mobile app testing.AppiumAppium is the leading automation framework for mobile app testing.AppiumAppium ResourcesAppium Tutorial: From Beginners to AdvancedThe Complete Guide to Appium BasicsAppium Framework Pros and Cons: What The Future Might Look LikeSeleniumSelenium is the leading automation framework for web app testing.SeleniumSelenium ResourcesWhat Is Selenium Testing?6 Ways to Use XPath in Selenium WebDriverHow to Use Selenium Grid in the CloudEspressoEspresso is a framework for mobile app test automation, specifically Android.EspressoEspresso Resources4 Benefits of Using the Espresso Android Test Automation ToolXCUITest vs. Appium vs. EspressoXCUITestXCUITest is an automation framework for iOS mobile apps.XCUITestXCUITest ResourcesWhat Is XCUITest?Top 5 iOS Test Automation FrameworksCypressCypress is a front-end dev-friendly framework for testing your web apps.CypressCypress Resources5 Benefits of Cypress Automation for Web TestingCypress vs. Selenium: What’s the Right Cross-Browser Testing Solution for You?Mastering Cross-Browser Test Automation With Cypress and SeleniumQuantumQuantum is a cross-platform BDD automation framework.QuantumQuantum ResourcesQuantum Starter KitBuilding Sustainable & Scalable Automation Scripts Using QuantumQuantum IntroductionPair Automation Frameworks With a Testing CloudAutomation 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.Try Testing With Perfecto ▶️ watch the demo FirstRelated ContentHow to Choose an Open Source Automated Testing ToolHow to Transition From Manual Testing to Automated Testing in 7 StepsIntro to Parallel Testing: How It Works, Benefits, & ChallengesTypes of Software Testing
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.