Automated testing is a software testing technique that uses special software tools to execute tests automatically and then compare actual test results with expected results. Automated testing plays an important role in continuous delivery (CD), continuous integration (CI), DevOps, and DevSecOps.

Automated tests can provide numerous benefits to a codebase

• Improved software quality: Automated tests can catch regressions as soon as they are introduced into the codebase, helping to squash bugs quickly. This leads to better software quality overall.
• Increased efficiency: Automated testing saves time because the same functionality does not need to be tested manually repeatedly. This allows teams to focus on high-value tasks instead of putting out fires.
• Reduced cost: Automated tests can help reduce the cost of software development by detecting and fixing errors earlier in the process. They can also reduce the cost of supporting an application, as automated tests will need less time to find and fix bugs.
• More frequent testing: Automated testing allows for more frequent testing, which can help teams quickly find bugs in the early stages of development. This can reduce working hours and project costs.
• Better reporting capabilities: Automated testing provides better reporting capabilities than manual testing. This can help teams identify issues and regressions more quickly.
• Increased reliability and scalability: Automated testing can lead to more reliable results because tests are run automatically and with greater frequency. This can help teams address problems as soon as they arise, making the application more reliable and scalable.
• Better traceability: Automated testing can provide better traceability than manual testing. This can help teams identify the source of issues more quickly.
• Enhanced resource efficiency: Automated testing can enhance resource efficiency by allowing staff to avoid manual tests where possible and instead focus on other project priorities.

• Boosted team morale: Automated testing can boost team morale by reducing the amount of tedious and time-consuming manual testing required. Quicker results: Automated testing can reduce the time to run repetitive tests from days to hours, which translates directly into cost savings.
• Better traceability: Automated testing provides better insights than manual testing when some tests fail, which can help teams identify the source of issues more quickly.
• Significantly reduced bugs: Automated tests can catch regressions as soon as they are introduced into the codebase, helping to squash bugs quickly.
• More compliance with coding standards: Automated testing can help ensure that code is compliant with coding standards. Increased reliability and scalability: Automated testing can lead to more reliable results because tests are run automatically and with greater frequency. This can help teams address problems as soon as they arise, making the application more reliable and scalable.
• More frequent testing: Automated testing allows for more frequent testing, which can help teams quickly find bugs in the early stages of development.
• Reduced business expenses: Automated testing can help reduce the cost of software development by detecting and fixing errors earlier in the process.
• Higher test coverage: Automated testing can increase the depth and scope of tests to help improve software quality. This can lead to higher test coverage for the product, which is impossible with manual tests.
• Improved accuracy: Automated testing reduces the instances of human errors, generating consistent and reliable results every time.
• Boosted team morale: Automated testing can boost team morale by reducing the amount of tedious and time-consuming manual testing required. Overall, automated testing can help organizations build better software quickly and efficiently, catch regressions early, and gain the confidence to ship new functionality frequently.

What are some common tools used for automated testing?

There are many automation testing tools available in the market. Here are some of the most commonly used ones:

• Selenium: Selenium is an open-source automation testing tool that is widely used for testing web applications. It supports multiple programming languages and browsers, making it a popular choice among Quality Analysts worldwide.
• TestComplete: TestComplete is a GUI test automation tool that can test desktop, web, and mobile applications. It is used by both technical and non-technical users.
• Katalon: Katalon is a comprehensive automation testing tool that supports web, API, mobile, and desktop applications. It is easy to use and provides a wide range of features for test automation.
• Appium: Appium is an open-source automation testing tool that is used for mobile applications. It supports both Android and iOS platforms and can be used for native, hybrid, and mobile web applications.
• TestRigor: TestRigor is an AI-powered automation testing tool that allows testers to create complex tests using basic English language commands. It provides seamless integration with CI/CD pipelines and can be used for web, mobile, and API testing.
• ACCELQ: ACCELQ is a codeless automation testing tool that supports web, API, and mobile applications. It provides a wide range of features for test automation, including test management, test design, and test execution.

• Worksoft: Worksoft is an automation testing tool that can run tests unattended and automate end-to-end business processes. It can be deployed even if a SAP project is in implementation, upgrade, or maintenance stage.
• LambdaTest: LambdaTest is a cloud-based automation testing tool that supports web and mobile applications. It provides a wide range of features for test automation, including cross-browser testing, parallel testing, and test management.
• QMetry Automation Studio: QMetry Automation Studio is an automation testing tool that supports web, mobile, and API applications. It provides a wide range of features for test automation, including test design, test execution, and test management.
• TestProject: TestProject is a free automation testing tool that supports web, mobile, and API applications. It provides a wide range of features for test automation, including test design, test execution, and test management.
• BrowserStack Automate: BrowserStack Automate is a cloud-based automation testing tool that supports web applications. It provides a wide range of features for test automation, including cross-browser testing, parallel testing, and test management.

Overall, the choice of automation testing tool depends on the specific project requirements and preferences of the team. It is important to evaluate and identify tools that are complementary to the needs and requirements of the project.

What are the differences between open-source and commercial automation testing tools ?

Open-source and commercial automation testing tools have their own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the differences between them:

Open-source automation testing tools:

• Are free to use and download.
• Are often code-based and require technical knowledge.
• Provide more flexibility and customization options.
• Have a large community of contributors who can provide support and updates.
• May not have as many features as commercial tools.
• May not have official support or documentation.
• May require more time and effort to set up and maintain.

Commercial automation testing tools:

• Are often more expensive than open-source tools.
• Provide official support and documentation.
• Have more features and capabilities.
• Are often easier to set up and maintain.
• May require less technical knowledge.
• May have SLAs (Service Level Agreements) for support.
• May have better integration with other tools.

Overall, the choice between open-source and commercial automation testing tools depends on the specific needs and requirements of the project. Open-source tools may be a good choice for those who require more flexibility and customization, while commercial tools may be a better choice for those who require more features and official support. It is important to evaluate and compare different tools before making a decision.