Top 4 Test Automation Challenges

Top 4 Test Automation Challenges

It’s not always smooth sailing.

So many companies are doing test automation, you’d think it would be simple…

But there are challenges with incorporating test automation into your organization.

Here are four of the top problems faced by development teams.

Communication1.

Talk is cheap!

So why is talk so hard?

Automated tests are an investment and, as with any investment, they need to be planned and discussed as a team.

Test scripts are also code.

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Review test cases, scripts and results with all stakeholders.

Team transparency

Find issues early

Keep team on same page

Keep current with changing requirements

Universal naming of objects for app code and test code

Benefits of Reviewing Test Scripts

Validation2.

Passing can also be failing.

Wait, that makes no sense! Did I hit my head?

Nope.

Validation is complicated because your tests can lie to you. Just because test runs are passing doesn’t mean anything unless the test is maintained properly.

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Maintenance is an ongoing job with every build, iteration and release.

Tests should be dynamic.

Create new test cases and update old tests for each sprint.

A more secure and reliable product

Lower risk to users

Maintain company credibility

Detection of serious software flaws

Benefits of Test Validation

Training3.

Know your stuff!

It’s easy to learn the basic aspects of a tool, but its difficult to master a tool in all its glory.

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The most difficult aspects of a test automation tool are usually the most powerful aspects.

Train yourself and your people to avoid a hack job.

Group trainings of tools will keep your whole team on the same page with a universal knowledge.

Confidence in test cases

Increased testing velocity

Be deemed an expert

Benefits of Training

Completion4.

It’s not over till it’s over!

Knowing when you have completed a test script is tricky business because maintenance will still be necessary regardless.

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A completed test script is a script that can be used over and over again with minimal touch.

A test script is completed when it leaves the tester’s hands.

Test the test script with negative input to ensure 100% accuracy.

Test scripts that can be recycled

Same tests can be used between environments

Save time later

Low touch to future maintenance

Benefits of Completing a Test

The challenges of test automation are not easily conquered.

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…But with a little perseverance and with the help of all your team the ROI will be apparent.

Finally…

Understand your tools, stay transparent with all stakeholders and know when a test script needs to be updated.

It’s easier said than done, but well worth the effort!

Winner of the 2013 Dr. Dobbs Jolt Award for Best Testing Tool.

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