10 COMMON MYTHS OF TEST AUTOMATION

There are many merits of performing automated testing in product development. Some benefits offered by the test automation procedures are frequent test execution, faster releases, increased test coverage and faster feedback for the development team. As the market requirements have become more complex with the transformation to the digital domain, many organizations are under pressure to remain competitive and to deliver the best to their clients. Though there are organizations that have switched to automation testing, many organizations still fear to make the bold move or seem resistant in investing in test automation. In the present scenario, it has become more imperative for everybody to understand the need of test automation to meet goals and expectations in the industry at reasonable costs. The foremost step in understanding test automation is to address a few common automation myths that are as follows:

1) Testing is boring:

Most of the people tend to conclude too early and are of the view that software testing is monotonous and boring. Technically speaking there is no truth in this statement. Never try to compare automation testing as just 'repeatedly' doing similar tasks over and over again. It might be the other way round. If feeling that the testing bores you, you might not be doing it the right way. The most challenging aspect of any test automation procedure is to understand the limitations and setting realistic expectations to avoid disappointment in future course of time.

2) Automation testing is better than manual testing:

Another most common myth that prevails is that automation testing will yield better results than manual testing. Generally, this is not the case and you can’t be so absolute in your decision. More often both manual and automation tests go hand in hand. There might be cases where manual tests can’t be performed owing to the complexity of the framework. On the other hand, unnecessary use of test automation procedures for simple projects may prove to be costly and time consuming process.

3) Quick return on investment:

There is a myth that automation testing promises quick ROI. Automation is a long-term commitment. Many organizations often ignore the key aspects, activities and other cost factors that can devaluate the automation process. Organizations must recollect that it requires adequate investment of both time and cash to figure out how to utilize automation SmallSeoTools.com in the best way.

4) Testing and checking are similar procedures:

Generally, people fail to distinguish between testing and checking. Michael Bolton is of the view that automated testing is not really testing. Test automation is checking of facts. A detailed system knowledge is required to run the automated checks that further confirms the level of understanding system under test through exploration. One should not rely on a particular method. Both methods are crucial to get an insight to the quality of the application.

5) Test automation is just concerned about finding out the flaws and bugs in the software:

Only a good tester can tell you the real importance of running automation tests. Testing is an information gathering activity that helps in exploring and discovering answers to questions that nobody had ever asked before. Never try to underestimate the power of test automation tools. These are not just meant to find errors or bugs in the software. Widen your perspective a bit and study, observe, explore and analyze, to achieve your testing goals.

6) Automated testing can test everything:

It would be silly to expect that an analyzer or a testing group can test every single test situation. This is conceivable hypothetically, but not in the real world scenario as there are constraints on both time and resources. Achieving 100% automated testing to deliver a bug free product is not feasible practically due to possibility for endless permutations. More tests in automation do not guarantee better quality or better efficiency. Everything depends on the fact that how good a test is designed. Focus on the most important area of functionality crucial to the business, rather than targeting full test coverage.

7) Tester adds no value to the product:

People believe that the role of the tester is limited and he adds no value to the product. A skilled tester is an expert of the system under test. The tester is capable of understanding and analyzing the entire system from an end-to-end perspective. Unlike the programmer, tester gets a better chance to demonstrate his understanding of the product and adds value to the product or software.

8) Test automation will replace human testers:

Nothing of such sort can ever happen. For instance, when the computer was invented, everyone feared that it would result in loss of jobs. But what happened was the other way round, it boosted the IT sector giving employment to many youths. Similarly, test automation cannot replace or eliminate human testers. Test automation lacks emotions that only a manual tester can cater to.

9) Automation testing can run with just a click:

Another myth that needs to be busted is that test automation runs with a single click. This would have been tragic, if it was the case. It would not have the capacity to modify for upkeep or other item requests like adjusting to business and the capacity to see the excess of deformities. A coincidental exertion can't give the best advantages. One size fits all approach doesn’t work well in this field.

10) Testing is only required for System User Interface Automation:

A good tester understands the context of each test. The layer at which the test should be automated is of utmost importance. One cannot just rely completely on the automated checks at user interface layer. As UI is constantly changing, the functionalities of test automation need to be upgraded as well. Test automation has to be a part of the development activity. It requires efforts from the entire team. The software developers are concerned with writing, executing and maintaining acceptance tests at both API and UI layers.

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