According to AIMultiple Research, a platform that provides data-driven insights into markets, 55% of companies aim to improve software quality by adopting test automation, while nearly 30% cite faster time-to-market as the primary reason for automating testing. While test automation frameworks alone cannot enhance software quality, they are essential tools that can be leveraged for this purpose. Read on to learn how automated testing tools contribute to software quality
Extended test coverage
One of the greatest benefits of automated testing for software quality is its ability to execute a large number of test cases across different configurations and environments. Although achieving complete test coverage is still challenging, even with the implementation of test automation frameworks, especially for complex and large application suites, it is much greater than the number of tests that can be run manually.
Since tests are executed without human intervention, the testing process can be considerably accelerated by automation, allowing companies to perform a much greater number of tests within a short amount of time.
The process can be further accelerated by leveraging parallel execution of test cases, which allows running multiple tests simultaneously in different environments.
Read more on the website: https://www.executiveautomats.com/resources/articles/test-automation-frameworks
More thorough testing
In addition to executing a greater number of test scenarios, test automation frameworks also enable data-driven testing based on executing the same test cases with different input data. This approach helps simulate even more possible conditions for the software’s operation and validates its behavior in diverse contexts, which is essential for assessing its robustness and reliability.
Higher consistency and resistance to human errors
Software quality depends not only on the number of executed tests but also on the consistency of the testing process.
This is an area where companies can effectively leverage test automation frameworks. These frameworks run tests according to predefined rules, eliminating human errors that can naturally occur due to different testing approaches used by manual testers and the fatigue that compromises concentration, especially after long periods of performing repetitive tasks.
Early defect detection
By integrating test automation frameworks, companies can identify flaws in the software at earlier stages when these issues do not yet introduce significant disruptions or escalate into more complex problems. Addressing software quality as early as possible helps avoid significant expenses and also contributes to faster time-to-market while ensuring that applications still meet the product requirements.
Enhanced regression testing with test automation frameworks
All the advantages of the test automation tools discussed earlier simplify regression testing, which is becoming increasingly difficult to perform manually due to the growing complexity and continuous improvements typical for modern applications. While regression testing is considered one of the most time-consuming types of tests, which is particularly vulnerable to human errors due to its highly repetitive nature, it is also a critical practice for ensuring that software performance has not been altered after any code modifications.
The cost-efficiency of test automation frameworks and other tools, such as Executive Automats, transforms regression testing, allowing companies to perform it whenever required without investing an excessive budget in the manual work.
Efficient compliance and security testing
Software quality extends beyond meeting the needs of its future users as it also involves compliance with industry standards and regulations, which may include:
- Industry-specific standards, such as legal requirements for software used in the electronics systems of vehicles or medical devices, for instance, IEC 62304 for Medical Device Software as well as Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS);.
- Security standards outlining a framework for information security and privacy controls, for example, ISO/IEC 27001 for information security management;
- Compliance and regulatory standards, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), a European Union regulation focused on the protection of personal data and privacy of individuals in the EU;
- Accessibility standards, such as Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which, although may not be enforced by law, are crucial for ensuring that digital content is accessible to all users and may indirectly affect its SEO ranking.
Implementation of robust test automation frameworks that facilitate regular and thorough testing helps companies meet these standards and maintain compliance much more easily.
Effective resource allocation
Despite the initial investment, companies that rely on test automation frameworks have a chance to significantly reduce the amount of resources they would otherwise spend on manual testing. However, in practice, this means not only financial savings but also an opportunity to leverage the skills, creativity, and human judgment of manual testers to focus on more complex and critical testing activities, ultimately enhancing the overall quality and reliability of the software. In addition to particularly complicated test scenarios, this can also include, among others:
- Exploratory testing;
- Usability testing;
- Accessibility testing;
- Ad-hoc testing;
- Localization and internationalization testing.
Bottom Line
While test automation frameworks alone cannot improve software quality as they still depend on the manual effort of developers and testers, they serve as indispensable tools that accelerate the testing process, reduce human errors, and enable organizations to meet industry standards and regulations more effectively. In particular, test automation frameworks can help enhance software quality by enabling extended test coverage, improving its thoroughness, increasing consistency, and supporting early defect detection.
