The user interface is the part of the application that interacts with end-users, and UI testing is the process that ensures that this interface is working as intended. Every small bit of logic, the features, and the flow of actions for various operations have to be thoroughly checked. From the clicking of a button to navigation options and entering values into data fields, every single thing plays an important role when it comes to human interaction.
UI Automated testing does this process with an automation tool. The test scripts, rather than the testers themselves, check the functionality of every field and every click.
What can UI Automated Tests do?
- The simulation and testing of any application’s interaction with consumers.
- Automation of all the testing activities for the service or application that is under test.
- Integration of all UI tests in the process of application development.
- Submission of test results and generation of reports with the said application package.
Why should one use Automated UI Tests?
- Saves Time
There is no doubt that manual testing is very time-consuming and can not keep up with the pace of development processes today. Automated Testing works in a fraction of that time.
- Minimizes Cost
Manual tests definitely need many resources and are therefore costly. Automated tests only need you to code the test scripts, and hence require lesser resources.
- High Accuracy
Repetitive tasks when performed by humans are prone to manual errors. Automation leaves much less room for error any day.
- Large scale
When there are several complex iterations involved, manual testing is near impossible. Automated Testing can work for huge data tests and complex operations with ease.
- It’s the trend!
Day after day, organizations are realizing how their services can benefit from automated testing, and there is pressure all over to jump on this wagon.
Shifting from manual to automated UI testing can sound like a big investment of time and money upfront, but in the long run, it is always beneficial in the ways we discussed above and more. Before beginning the automation of your UI tests, you must ensure the feasibility of the process and prepare a test strategy. We have a checklist for the same:
Checklist for UI Automation
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Stakeholder meeting
The Quality Analysis team should have a meeting with stakeholders and some automation experts in order to discuss the purpose, plan, and necessary requirements for automation of UI tests.
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Understand Requirements
Based on the technology and the architecture in place, the automation team must collect the requirements of the project and identify whether they have a need for external technical assistance. They will also make the choice of an automation tool that is most optimal for their goal.
There are several factors that you can look for while choosing the automation tool:
- Is it easy to create and maintain test scripts?
- Does it facilitate the smooth input of huge data sets for load testing or other tests that are complex in nature?
- Is it easy for non-technical users to execute the test suits?
- Does it support mobile, desktop, and web applications?
- Does it support cross-browser testing?
- Can it record videos, take screenshots, and capture console logs while the test is running?
- Can it generate intuitive test reports?
- Does it support data-driven, keyword-driven as well as behavior-driven testing?
- Does the vendor provide reliable online assistance and technical support?
- Does the test script development support a wide number of languages?
- Can the automation tool seamlessly integrate with other tools that are in the CI/CD pipeline?
- Is the pricing reasonable?
- What is the difficulty of the initial training that is to be done during onboarding?
- Is it easy to apply changes to the existing test scripts?
- Is there an option to use Artificial Intelligence to optimize the automation process?
- Can your automation tool test complex components of the user interface?
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Arrive at test cases
To get a good understanding of the logical flow and the structure of the interface, it is important to come up with test cases before starting the process. This forms a basis for the scope of the project and will help provide a visual representation of the working of the application.
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Automation strategies
We then figure out the best strategies that can be used to conduct the tests and fix other details like languages and the test data that can be given as input.
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Develop framework
After diligent analysis is performed on the application, we must come up with a basic framework to follow.
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Create test scripts
Using the test cases that we wrote in the initial stage, the testing team now creates test scripts.
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Execute and analyze tests
The test scripts are then executed batch by batch. The results of every test are analyzed and feedback is taken.
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Demo and report
Lastly, test reports are generated and presented, with the help of which further training of the stakeholders can take place.