An automation framework or simply a framework is a platform that has all the tools, libraries, files, folders, and everything you require for test automation. It is organized and structured in a specific place so that it makes the automation testing easy.
As an example, you must have gone to a railway platform and you see that all the things which are required to get in and out of the train, to board a train are all available at a single place which helps you to save time. Like you have an elevator, ticket counter to buy your tickets, there is an
information counter about the train schedules etc. What if these were in different places and unorganised?
In the same fashion, an automation framework also provides us all the things which are necessary for test automation in a single place in a structured way so that it is easy for you to create your test cases, maintain, enhance them and execute them.
Why we need test automation framework?
The goal of automation testing is to ensure that we complete test execution in less amount of time. On the other hand, manual testing involves testing a
software manually by quality analysts and much more.
The processing time required for automation testing is significantly faster compared to manual testing which requires human intervention all the time. Also, automation testing is very robust and reliable as it is carried out by various tools whereas, manual testing does not have a high rate of
accuracy. Therefore, the list goes on for reason businesses are moving to test automation framework.
Let’s now look at the different types of test automation frameworks that are mainly used.
1. Linear scripting framework:
This framework is based on the concept of record and playback mode that is always achieved in a linear manner. This framework is used to test small sized application. Using this framework, we could generate test scripts without planning much or consuming lots of time.
2. Modular testing framework:
A key strategy in using the modular framework is to build an abstraction layer, so that any changes made in individual sections won’t affect the overarching module. Which is, testers create test scripts on module wise by breaking down the complete application under test into smaller, independent tests.
3. Data Driven testing framework:
In this testing framework, a separate file in tabular format is used to store both the input and the expected output results. Setting up a data-driven test framework will allow the tester to store and pass the input/output parameters to test scripts from an external data source, such as Excel Spreadsheets, Text Files, CSV files, SQL Tables, or ODBC repositories.
4. Keyword driven testing framework:
This is more so called as Keyword driven test automation framework for web-based applications. This is an application independent framework which uses data tables and keywords to explain the actions to be performed on the application under test.
5. Hybrid testing framework:
As this is a hybrid framework, it has been based on the combination of many types of end-to end testing approaches. This framework is an amalgamation of modular, data-driven and keyword test automation framework.
6. Behavior driven developmental framework:
The purpose of this framework is to create a platform which allows everyone (such as business analysts, developers, testers, etc.,) to participate actively. It requires increased collaboration between development and test teams. Some of the tools available in the market for this framework are JBehave, Cucumber, etc.
There are several aspects developers look for when choosing the automation for their project. Thus, GRhombus Technologies is one such service provider who offers service on test automation that is adaptable, reusable, easy reporting and endless support in mind for their users