Before your proprietary software hits the market, you’ll want to make sure it works optimally and is glitch-free. This is where software testing comes into play.
Software testing has two aspects to it: manual testing and automated testing. Both of these have a critical role to play in the software development lifecycle.
Here’s a quick guide to what automated testing is, why it’s beneficial, what tools are used and more.
Table of Contents
What is Automated Software Testing?
Simply put, automated software testing is the use of specialized software tools to automate the process of reviewing and validating a software product. The use of specialized tools makes it easier for testing and QA teams to focus on more important areas, such as reviewing test results and conducting more specific, exploratory tests.
Automated Testing and Manual Testing: Differences
Let’s dive into what the differences are between automated software testing and manual software testing.
| Criteria | Automated Testing | Manual Testing |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Testing is automated using software tools and scripts. | Testing is done manually by QA testers, who follow test cases and scenarios. |
| Speed | Faster execution. | Slower execution |
| Set up time | Creating test scripts makes the setup longer. | Faster set up of test cases but needs manual execution. |
| Risk of errors | No risk of human error during repetitive tasks. | Risk of more errors on repetitive tasks. |
| Test coverage | Offers broader test coverage and more scenarios. | Limited coverage due to time constraints. |
| Bug detection | Detects bugs earlier in the developmental stage, leading to quicker fixes. | Does not detect bugs as early as automated testing. |
| Cost | Higher cost for software testing tools, but has long term cost savings. | The need for a large QA team and time taken to execute tests makes it more expensive. |
| Maintenance | Regular maintenance of test scripts is necessary. | Minimal maintenance effort. |
| Task complexity | Best suited for repetitive testing, regression and performance testing. | Ideal for exploratory, complex and ad-hoc testing. |
| Customization | Highly customizable to create specific test case scenarios. | Limited customization possible due to pre-defined scripts. |
| CI/CD integration | .Accelerates CI/CD processes. | Slows down CI/CD pipelines |
Benefits of Automated Software Testing
Here are some of the obvious benefits of automating software testing processes.
Time and Cost Savings
One of the most significant benefits of automated testing is the time and cost savings it offers. Automation reduces the need for a large QA team to execute repetitive tests, resulting in reduced labor costs and faster testing cycles.
Improved Accuracy
Automation ensures consistent and precise test execution, eliminating the risk of human errors. Test scripts perform tasks precisely as specified, improving the reliability of test results.
Increased Test Coverage
Automated tests can cover a wide range of scenarios and use cases, providing better test coverage than manual testing. This broader coverage ensures that your software is thoroughly examined.
Faster Bug Detection
Automated testing detects bugs and issues in the early stages of development, allowing developers to address them promptly. This leads to cost savings and more efficient bug fixing.
Improved Software Quality
By identifying and fixing issues early, automated testing contributes to higher software quality. This, in turn, results in greater customer satisfaction and a stronger competitive edge.
Faster Testing
Automated testing is significantly faster than manual testing, accelerating the development and testing process. It is a vital component of continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines.
Improved Customer Satisfaction
High-quality software is more likely to meet customer expectations and improve overall satisfaction. Automated testing plays a key role in ensuring that software performs as intended.
Types of Automated Software Testing
There are various types of automated software testing to address different aspects of software quality. Here are some of the most commonly used ones.
Unit Testing
Unit testing focuses on individual units of code, typically at the function level. It verifies that a particular function or component behaves as expected.
Integration Testing
Integration testing validates the interactions between various components or services within the software. It ensures that integrated parts work together seamlessly.
Smoke Testing
Smoke testing, also known as build verification testing, aims to check the basic functionality of the software. It’s a quick way to ensure that the software is ready for more extensive testing.
Regression Testing
Regression testing verifies that new changes in the software do not break existing features. Automated regression tests help maintain software quality over time.
Performance Testing
Performance testing evaluates the software’s responsiveness, scalability, and overall speed. It measures how the software performs under different conditions.
Security Testing
Security testing assesses the software’s vulnerability to potential threats, such as data breaches or unauthorized access.
Data-Driven Testing
Data-driven testing involves testing various scenarios by providing different sets of data to the same test script. It’s particularly useful for testing functionalities with multiple input variations.
Functional Testing
Functional testing focuses on validating the software’s functionalities against specified requirements. It ensures that the software performs its intended tasks.
Why is Automated Software Testing Important?
The importance of automated software testing cannot be overstated. Here are several key reasons why it’s essential for your software development process.
Improve the Quality of Your Software
Automated testing acts as an indispensable guardian of your software’s quality. By systematically running a battery of tests, it proactively pinpoints and rectifies bugs and issues in their infancy.
As a result, the software emerges as a paragon of quality, with fewer post-release complications that could irk users. The early bug detection and resolution become the cornerstones of a software that seamlessly aligns with user expectations and, ultimately, amplifies user satisfaction.
Reduce the Cost of Testing
While the adoption of automated testing may require an initial investment in terms of tools and infrastructure, it sets the stage for substantial cost reductions in the long run. The diminished reliance on a sizable Quality Assurance (QA) team, combined with the expedited testing processes, translates into cost-efficient operations.
Automated tests work tirelessly, covering extensive test scenarios without demanding salaries, thereby streamlining the testing budget. It’s a strategic choice that promises economical and high-quality results.
Increase the Speed of Your Development Process
In the contemporary landscape of software development, speed is of the essence. Automation forms the backbone of continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines, ensuring swift and dependable progress.
With automated tests in place, software can be expedited from development to release, making it accessible to users faster and with enhanced reliability. In essence, it empowers developers to keep pace with the ever-accelerating demands of the digital world.
Improve the Reliability of Your Software
Reliability is the bedrock on which trust and user satisfaction are built. Automated tests are the gatekeepers of reliability, guaranteeing that the software consistently adheres to predetermined standards.
This systematic and unwavering vigilance lessens the odds of unexpected issues disrupting software operation. When users interact with your software, they do so with confidence, secure in the knowledge that it will perform reliably, fostering trust and loyalty.
Increase Customer Satisfaction
The pinnacle of software success is achieving the highest levels of customer satisfaction. Automated testing plays a pivotal role in achieving this goal. By diligently identifying and rectifying bugs early, it transforms your software into a paragon of quality that aligns seamlessly with user expectations.
This alignment with user needs and desires is the catalyst for creating satisfied customers who not only keep coming back but also enthusiastically endorse your software. The resultant positive reviews and endorsements further solidify your software’s standing in the market.
Popular Automated Software Testing Frameworks
Here’s a quick look at some of the popular automated software testing frameworks and tools.
Selenium
Selenium is a widely used open-source framework for automating web applications. It supports multiple programming languages and browsers, making it highly versatile.
TestNG
TestNG is a testing framework inspired by JUnit and NUnit. It is particularly useful for test configuration and parallel test execution.
JUnit
JUnit is a popular testing framework for Java applications. It simplifies unit testing and test-driven development.
Cucumber
Cucumber is a behavior-driven development (BDD) tool that promotes collaboration between developers, testers, and non-technical stakeholders.
Appium
Appium is a cross-platform, open-source tool for mobile app automation. It supports both Android and iOS.
Katalon Studio
Katalon Studio is an all-in-one automation tool for web, mobile, and API testing. It offers a user-friendly interface for test creation.
TestComplete
TestComplete is a robust automated testing tool that supports desktop, mobile, and web applications. It includes features for scripting and visual testing.
Ranorex Studio
Ranorex Studio is an automation tool for desktop, web, and mobile applications. It provides a codeless interface for test creation.
Leverage Crossasyst’s Automated Software Testing Expertise
CrossAsyst have been at the forefront of developing custom software solutions for our clients across various industries, including healthcare, for over a year. A large part of ensuring the products we build for our clients are beyond reproach lies in our rigorous QA and testing protocols.
Here’s a case study to showcase our efficacy and expertise when it comes to automated software testing.
Problem Statement
In the healthcare domain, ensuring the quality and security of healthcare applications is paramount. Healthcare apps are susceptible to vulnerabilities that can have life-altering consequences. Therefore, rigorous testing is essential to guarantee data accuracy, security, and compliance with healthcare requirements.
Challenges
- Data Security: Healthcare apps often store personal information, making them prime targets for cyberattacks. Over 20% of data breaches in the USA occur within the healthcare sector. Ensuring data security is vital to prevent data leaks and protect sensitive patient information.
- Data Privacy: Patient medical data must remain confidential, accessible only to authorized medical staff.
- Usability: Healthcare professionals are busy; therefore, healthcare apps must offer a seamless user experience and an intuitive user interface.
- Performance: Smooth operation and quick responses are crucial for user satisfaction, even under extreme conditions.
- Compatibility: Healthcare apps frequently integrate with other medical systems, requiring compatibility checks with various devices and systems.
Actions Taken
To address these challenges, CrossAsyst QA prioritized the following actions.
Mentoring and Training
The team was mentored and trained in testing methodologies, tools, and techniques to enhance their expertise.
Technical Expertise
Development and identification of tools to optimize testing quality.
Proactive Testing Management
Rigorous testing of complex applications with tight schedules while adhering to established testing processes.
Test Strategy and Planning
Designing test strategies and plans aligned with healthcare application requirements and industry standards.
Test Automation Strategies
To enhance the quality of healthcare software testing, CrossAsyst QA implemented various test automation strategies.
Automation Framework
Developed a tightly coupled automation framework for healthcare projects using Selenium/Web-driver and TestNG for efficient test automation.
Performance Testing Framework
Designed and implemented a performance testing framework along with a performance test strategy to assess application performance.
API Testing Framework
Developed an API Testing framework with Rest Assured to ensure the integrity of data exchanges.
Benefits of Automation
- Multi-platform authentication for secure access.
- Faster regression cycles.
- Resource status and availability monitoring.
- Cost savings for both healthcare payers and providers.
- Data-driven tests for secure handling of patient information.
- Authentication validation testing to secure sensitive data.
- Faster regression testing for feature validation.
- Report verification for issue identification and resolution.
Achievements
The implementation of these automated testing strategies yielded remarkable results:
- Reduced testing time by 60%, improving overall efficiency.
- Increased test coverage by 50% and decreased regression defects by 70% in all projects.
- Critical defects were identified and resolved, reducing production issues by 70%.
As the case study above shows, we at CrossAsyst leave no stone unturned to ensure your custom software solution is capable of peak performance at all times.
Be it compliance testing, data testing, performance testing or security testing, you can rest assured that our team will put your product through a barrage of tests before certifying it as being market ready.
Contact CrossAsyst today, and learn why global leaders trust us with their custom software needs.