Selenium was first conceptualized in 2004 at ThoughtWorks for website automation and has come a long way from it&#8217;s first Web Driver version to becoming a <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Selenium was first conceptualized in 2004 at ThoughtWorks for website automation and has come a long way from it's first Web Driver version to becoming a W3C standard protocol. With a single interface that lets you write test scripts in programming languages like Ruby, Java, NodeJS, PHP, among others and being open-source has gained quite a lot of popularity so much so that Selenium stands tall among the most popular commercial tools today.
 (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.w3.org/TR/webdriver/" target="_blank">W3C standard protocol</a>. With a single interface that lets you write test scripts in programming languages like Ruby, Java, NodeJS, PHP, among others and being open-source, Selenium has gained quite a lot of popularity so much so that it stands tall among the most popular commercial tools today. 



Anyone who has worked on&nbsp;<a href="http://seleniumhq.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Selenium</a>&nbsp;would agree that it is not that easy. If the number of&nbsp;<a href="https://github.com/SeleniumHQ/selenium/issues" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">issues</a>&nbsp;open at the moment and the number of questions being posted on forums like StackOverflow is any indication, the problems faced by Selenium users does not seem to be decreasing.



The test cases are brittle, the failures are common, and the maintenance of automated test cases takes more time and cost than it takes to automate them. However, with a very strong community and integrations, it is workable. But if you are working in tight timelines, this wouldn&#8217;t be the ideal way. 



If we start thinking about why Selenium tests fail, an obvious reason would be that the websites and the technologies used to build them have been evolving at a fast pace. And the number of additions to the features and functionalities has only been increasing exponentially.



Keeping up with the changes and making sure the tests run reliably every single time is not an easy job. 



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Let_us_look_at_a_few_reasons_why_Selenium_tests_fail">1 Let us look at a few reasons why Selenium tests fail:</a></li><li><a href="#Some_common_errors_that_most_Selenium_users_may_have_come_across_but_are_easy_to_fix">2 Some common errors that most Selenium users may have come across but are easy to fix:</a></li><li><a href="#Limitations_of_using_Selenium_for_Automation">3 Limitations of using Selenium for Automation:</a></li><li><a href="#Alternatives_to_Selenium">4 Alternatives to Selenium</a></li><li><a href="#Benefits_of_using_above_tools">5 Benefits of using above tools:</a></li></ul></div>
<h2>Let us look at a few reasons why Selenium tests fail:</h2> 



<ol class="list_style_disc plr15" style="padding-left:0 !important"><li>Asynchronous websites</li>



Selenium tests are developed keeping a particular order in mind and when there are websites that are built using asynchronous architecture. The order of response cannot be fixed at all times. In such scenarios, sometimes the responses from the website are not in order. As a result, the test case fails. Such failures are tough to debug as well because they are not reproducible at all times. 



<li>Bugs</li>



With websites rapidly evolving, multiple languages and libraries are available for website development. There are a lot of features that needs to be supported.Selenium does come out with a <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="With websites rapidly evolving, multiple languages and libraries are available for website development. There are a lot of features that needs to be supported.
Selenium does come out with a better version frequently supporting any new changes that come up but they also leave out bugs and sometimes these bugs appear while people are trying to automate their websites.
 (opens in a new tab)" href="https://medium.com/hackernoon/selenium-4-0-alpha-released-what-test-automation-engineers-can-expect-6c1838b79243" target="_blank">better version</a> frequently supporting any new change that comes up but they also leave out bugs and sometimes these bugs appear while people are trying to automate their websites. 



<li>Dynamic websites that change without refresh</li>



Now websites are built that do a page reload or refresh rarely and, all the changes happen dynamically using JavaScript on the same page. In some scenarios, if there is a small error in one step, the whole test case fails because there is no opportunity to reload or refresh the page.&nbsp; 



<li>Small changes in the website source code</li>



The most common example of such a change is when a unique ui identifier(also known as locator) of an element on the web page changes. When such a change is checked in, all the test cases that were referring to this unique ui identifier fails and needs to be fixed.
Sometimes small changes are passed on to the code that make the test cases fail but Selenium does not report the exact reason for failure and it makes the test cases seem flaky. 



<li>Timeouts</li>



Timeout errors where Selenium fails while waiting for a component to load are very common while automating using Selenium and can be handled by adding appropriate &#8220;waits&#8221;. Just ensure that explicit waits are only added where necessary because that increases the overall run time of the test case. Implicit waits are better to use in such scenarios.



<h2>Some common errors that most Selenium users may have come across but are easy to fix:</h2> 



<ol class="list_style_disc plr15" style="padding-left:0 !important"><li>Alerts, Pop-ups, Nested IFrames</li>Selenium Users faced problems while automating alerts, pop-ups and Nested IFrames related functionalities on a website but with the latest version of Selenium, this problem has been handled quite well. If there is anything that cannot be handled, it is the OS level alerts because Selenium can only handle website related operations. <li>Selenium WebDriver version mismatch</li>Selenium releases WebDrivers for supported browsers to execute tests on them. If the installed browser on the system does not match the versions supported by the web drivers, an exception like this is reported: “This version of ChromeDriver only supports Chrome version 74”. The solution is to either update the Selenium WebDriver to support the installed browser or update the installed browser to the version supported by selenium webdriver and the error will go away.
 <li>ElementNotFoundException</li>
Sometimes during automation, testers miss out on accounting of small components like the page load progress icon and when the script executes, it fails to find the element that will load after the page loads. These situations can easily be solved by accounting for the page load and waiting for the page to load completely. Sometimes an implicit wait for the required element to load can also solve such problems. <li>TimeOutExceptionThis exception appears when Selenium waited for some operation to complete or for an element to appear or disappear but it did not happen during the time it was expected to wait. The time it is supposed to wait can be configured as well.</li> 



<li>Changing location for Selectors</li></ol>



Sometimes when a site is responsive, the location of the selectors on a web page changes with change in size. This results in test cases failing with the web page size. Such failures can be fixed by using a selector that does not change with changing size for eg. using unique names or ui identifiers as selectors. 



Above are the most common exceptions that people face but if you are looking for a more detailed list, check <a href="https://katalon.com/resources-center/blog/selenium-exceptions">here</a>.
These exceptions may occur while testing using any automated testing tool but there are certain limitations of Selenium that are detailed below.



<h2 style="padding-bottom: 10px">Limitations of using Selenium for Automation: </h2>



<ol class="list_style_disc plr15" style="padding-left:0 !important"><li>Difficult to set up initially</li>



Selenium works with certain programming languages. Elaborate setup for development in the programming language and support for Selenium needs to be prepared before automation can be started.



<li>Substantial time is taken to automate</li>



Because every step has to be coded it takes a good amount of time for just automating a simple workflow.



<li>Substantial time is taken to maintain the test cases</li>



If there are failures in test scripts, it may take a long time to debug and figure out the root cause of failure which also means more cost.



<li>Pass/Fail Reports</li> Selenium does not offer rich reports on its own and requires third party integrations for more than just Pass/Fail error reports.</ol>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" width="1407" height="374" data-id="5352" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Testsigma_Banner.png" alt="Testsigma_Banner" class="wp-image-5352"/></a><figcaption>Write simple tests while the AI maintain the tests&nbsp;</figcaption></figure>
</figure>



<h2 id="alternatives-to-selenium">Alternatives to Selenium</h2>



Instead of spending a lot of time, money and effort on getting things to work with Selenium, try using other tools that are there in the market and have dedicated technical support, some of such tools are:



<ol class="list_style_disc plr15" style="padding-left:0 !important"><li>Testsigma</li>



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Testsigma is an NLP based automated testing tool that lets you create automated tests easily and efficiently in just plain English. The AI-powered system learns to maintain test cases if there are any changes in the website also suggest changes and indicate the tests that will be affected.https://testsigma.com/blog/selenium-alternative-for-automated-regression-testing/ (opens in a new tab)" href="https://testsigma.com" target="_blank">Testsigma</a> is an NLP based automated testing tool that lets you create automated tests easily and efficiently in just plain English.



This AI-powered automated testing tool is an <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Testsigma is an NLP based automated testing tool that lets you create automated tests easily and efficiently in just plain English. This AI-powered automated testing tool is an ideal alternative for Selenium. maintain test cases if there are any changes in the website also suggest changes and indicate the tests that will be affected. (opens in a new tab)" href="https://testsigma.com/blog/selenium-alternative-for-automated-regression-testing/" target="_blank">ideal alternative</a> for Selenium with all the flexibility that enterprise teams need.



 <li>TOSCA</li>



With automatic object recognition and test case maintenance, <a href="https://www.tricentis.com/products/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">TOSCA </a>is a popular&nbsp; automated testing tool.&nbsp;It maximises reusability and increases maintainability with model-based test automation.



 <li>Katalon</li>



With a Selenium-based engine, <a href="https://www.katalon.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="With a Selenium-based engine, Katalon is designed to create and reuse automated test scripts for UI without coding. It is free to use. It also has the option to automate complex scenarios using JAVA or Groovy. (opens in a new tab)">Katalon</a> is designed to create and reuse automated test scripts for UI without coding. It is free to use. It also has the option to automate complex scenarios using JAVA or Groovy.



 <li>TestComplete</li>



Tests can be recorded, scripted or manually created with keyword driven operations and used for automated playback and error logging.While Selenium can only execute tests in a browser (and mobile apps using Appium), <a href="https://smartbear.com/product/testcomplete/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">TestComplete </a>supports Windows applications.



With the support of custom extensions and plugins, TestComplete functions can be extended as per need.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" width="1593" height="388" data-id="6004" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Testsigmas-unique-combo.png" alt="Testsigma's unique combo" class="wp-image-6004"/><figcaption>Sign Up for a free Trial!</figcaption></figure>
</figure>



<h2 id="benefits-of-using-above-tools">Benefits of using above tools:</h2>



<ol class="list_style_disc plr15" style="padding-left:0 !important"><li>Dedicated technical support</li>



If you face a problem you will always have support available who will give you a timeline to solve any issue you face. They will also help you figure out the issue in case are stuck. Thus you won’t be left alone in the wild looking for solutions when you need immediate help. 



<li>Easier Test Case Creation</li>



These automated testing tools do not demand scripting/programming skills.&nbsp;Katalon and TestComplete use a record and playback approach for test case creation while TOSCA automatically recognises the objects in the application and then test cases are created using the Model based approach. Testsigma on the other hand lets you write automated tests just using plain English! 



<li>Automatic Test Case maintenance</li>



Testsigma, TOSCA, TestComplete have an AI-powered core that enables automatic maintenance of test cases whenever some changes in the website cause the test cases to fail. 



<li>Easier to set up</li>



Testsigma is a cloud-based automated testing tool that hosts all automated tests on the cloud so you don’t need to spend any time or money on initial setup. There is also support for local executions(Hybrid) on your local devices. In comparison, Testsigma is quite easy to get started. 



<li>Low Learning Curve</li>



The special focus of all the above testing tools is the ease to learn them. Thus a lot of time and money that is spent on learning new tools can be saved if any of these automated testing tools are used. It would be quite easy for beginners into automation to get accustomed with these automated testing tools. 



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" width="3001" height="834" data-id="4519" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Testsigma3.jpeg" alt="Scriptless Test Automation Tool_Testsigma" class="wp-image-4519"/></figure>
</figure>



Selenium is still a mainstream automated testing tool since its inception but now the times are changing and when there are new technologies like AI and ML being employed, teams should explore them to actually know what they have to offer.



Since development workflows are now more complex than they have ever been, and will probably grow yet more complex over time. Selenium is poised to remain relevant for modern application testing. Depending on the requirements, we should be more open to exploring more automated testing tools and choose the relevant one that properly fit our testing requirements.



<pre class="wp-block-code"><code><a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/business" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Business vector created by freepik - www.freepik.com</a></code></pre>

Why Do Selenium Tests Fail? : Top Reasons

Software KPIs or Key Performance Indicators in the software testing industry are some measurable values computed to gauge the efficiency and effectiveness of the software testing process as a whole.&nbsp;



Though it may seem natural to use software testing KPIs to gauge efficiency, there is a divide between the people of the testing community on using KPIs in the Software Testing industry. Some say that Software Testing KPIs can&#8217;t help achieve a much-needed balance between time, cost, and quality, while others swear by their effectiveness.



Organizations have different products, so the development methodology and the testing processes are different too.



So what a QA individual or manager needs is to: 1. Understand the process 2. Review the KPIs that can be measured 3. Figure out the KPIs for quality that should be measured for maximum effectiveness according to your project.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_are_the_KPIs_in_Software_Testing">1 What are the KPIs in Software Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#When_are_the_Software_Testing_KPIs_beneficial">2 When are the Software Testing KPIs beneficial?</a></li><li><a href="#When_is_the_Software_Testing_KPIs_not_useful">3 When is the Software Testing KPIs not useful?</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">4 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#How_Do_you_Measure_QA_Success">4.1 How Do you Measure QA Success?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_Software_Testing_Key_Performance_IndicatorsKPIs">4.2 What is Software Testing Key Performance Indicators(KPIs)?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_the_Difference_Between_Software_Testing_Metrics_and_KPIs">4.3 What is the Difference Between Software Testing Metrics and KPIs?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_KPI_for_the_QA_Department">4.4 What is KPI for the QA Department?</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Suggested_Reading">5 Suggested Reading</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="what-are-the-kpis-in-software-testing">What are the KPIs in Software Testing?</h2>



There is no hard and fast rule to measure all these KPIs and you can also come up with KPIs that are not mentioned in the list. The most common KPIs that are measured in the software testing industry:



<p id="active-defectsall-the-defects-that-are-yet-to-close-are-called-active-defects-it-could-have-new-defects-that-are-open-or-that-are-fixed-but-not-verified-the-testing-manager-needs-to-decide-on-a-threshold-value-beyond-which-immediate-action-will-have-to-be-taken-about-how-to-proceed-to-lower-the-number-of-functional-defects-the-general-rule-is-that-the-lower-the-number-of-functional-defects-the-better-the-product-quality-at-a-point-in-time"><li>Active Defects </li>All the defects that are yet to close are called Active Defects. It could have new defects that are open or that are fixed but not verified. The testing manager needs to decide on a threshold value beyond which immediate action will have to be taken about how to proceed to lower the number of functional defects. The general rule is that the lower the number of functional defects, the better the product quality at a point in time.



<li>Authored Tests </li>This KPI measures the number of test cases designed during a defined time interval. This also helps measure the test cases against requirements, and the designed test cases can be further evaluated for inclusion in the regression or ad hoc test suite.



<li>Automated Tests</li>



This KPI measures the percentage of test cases automated against the total number of test cases. Usually, a higher percentage means a better probability of catching any breaks during automation runs. The threshold for the percentage of automation should be decided according to the type of product and cost of automation.



<li>Covered Requirements</li>



This KPI is used to measure the mapping of test cases to requirements. A test manager is required to ensure that all the requirements have corresponding test cases, and action should be taken on any requirements that could not be mapped to any test case and vice versa. The goal is to keep the mapping of requirements to test cases to 100%.



<li>Code Coverage</li>



This KPI is used by testers to ascertain the percentage of code they cover with their automated tests.



<li>Defects Fixed Per Day</li>



This is used to measure the effectiveness of the development but is subjective as some bugs could be more challenging to fix than others. This could be used to predict the amount of work for the testing team.



<li>Passed Requirements</li>



This KPI becomes valid when the release of a product is being planned. If any requirement has yet to pass testing, the release should be delayed.



<li>Passed Tests</li>



To understand the effectiveness of the test case design process, the number of defects reported via designed test cases is measured, where test cases passed means the design is practical and vice versa.



<li>Rejected Defects</li>



This KPI measures the percentage of rejected defects compared to the total defects reported. If the percentage is higher than the set threshold value, the underlying issue must be identified and acted upon. This could mean more training for software testers or better requirement documentation.



<li>Reviewed Requirements</li>



This KPI is to make sure that any requirement that the testing and development team is working on has been reviewed by the subject matter expert and is good to go. Reviewed requirements could lead to accurate development and testing, proving costly in the long run.



<li>Severe Defects</li>



This KPI aims to keep the number of severe defects in an application at a time under a limit if there are more severe defects, then immediate action is needed. But before using this, the testing team needs to be properly trained to identify severe defects correctly.



<li>Test Instances Executed</li>



This KPI is to measure the velocity of test execution at any point in time to make sure that the testing cycle is on track for the release.



<li>Tests Executed</li>



This KPI measures the total number of test cases executed on a build, including manual and automated, at any given time. This is also a Velocity KPI. Read here about <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/velocity-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Velocity Testing</a>.



<li>Time Schedule and Constraint</li>



This KPI is used to measure the average time of test execution. This helps provide testing time estimates during release planning or the development and testing plans to the project managers.



<li>Defects Closure Rate</li>



This KPI measures testers&#8217; efficiency in verifying and closing the fixed defects; this also helps to estimate the release cycle better.







<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="863" height="616" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/software-test-KPI-12.jpg" alt="software testing kpis" class="wp-image-22133"/></figure>



<h2 id="when-are-the-software-testing-kpis-beneficial">When are the Software Testing KPIs beneficial?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="733" height="485" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/software-test-KPI-11-1.jpg" alt="Software Testing KPIs beneficial" class="wp-image-22137"/></figure>



<ul><li>You have been working on the same software testing process for a while.&nbsp;</li></ul>



When you have implemented a testing process successfully and have executed it a few times, it is the right time to measure the KPIs to know the areas where your testing process needs improvement.



<ul><li>You have an extensive testing team.</li></ul>



Having a big testing team also means that there will be an extensive distribution of testing tasks. So to make sure that the tasks are distributed effectively and are conducted efficiently, measuring some testing KPIs will prove beneficial and will also help to keep everyone on track.



<ul><li>You are thinking of introducing new processes for testing.</li></ul>



If you are revamping your testing process, it will be helpful to have some KPIs measured to the original process. It will help you decide what goals to achieve with the new testing processes.



For an organization looking to measure KPIs, it is essential to understand the existing testing process and then measure the KPIs that will bring out the necessary improvements. Knowing what value addition you are looking for is essential because these KPIs, if not used properly, could easily lead you in the wrong direction.



<h2 id="when-is-the-software-testing-kpis-not-useful">When is the Software Testing KPIs not useful?</h2>



Although measuring the effectiveness of a process is essential to know if you are doing it right, measuring the testing process via quality KPIs will not make sense in a scenario where:



<ol><li>If your product has just started with Testing:If you are going to launch your product for the first time and testing has just started, there won&#8217;t be much to measure. This time will be crucial to put a testing process in place rather than measuring the effectiveness of the testing process.</li><li>If you are not planning to have a long testing cycle:If you are making a product that would not be changing for a long time after the launch and testing will be a one-time process, measurement of the effectiveness of the process would not be beneficial as you won&#8217;t have any new testing cycles to improve upon.</li><li>If you are on a restricted budget:Just like doing any activity, measuring testing KPIs also takes time and effort and, consequently, costs. So rather than measuring the KPIs, applying a cost-effective testing process should be the primary focus when the budget for testing is restricted.</li></ol>



By ensuring the above, you are also <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/optimize-your-testing-efforts-for-continuous-delivery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">optimizing Testing for Continuous Delivery</a>.



If you have an organization planning to move to test automation but are worried about the learning curve and time constraints during implementing it, look out for tools that enable you to automate test cases in as much time as creating them manually will take. This will help improve multiple KPIs for quality, such as Automated Tests, Covered Requirements, Passed Requirements, Passed Tests, etc.<a href="https://testsigma.com/">Testsigma</a> is one such tool that is quickly recognized for its ease of use and the negligible learning curve!



<div class="cta-banner-v2">
<div class="title-with-description ">
 Automate your tests for web, mobile, desktop applications and APIs, with a tool made for you to achieve ROI faster and better. 
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<a href="https://testsigma.com/signup" target="_blank" class="cta-btn-v1" rel="noopener">Check out Testsigma</a>
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="733" height="485" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/software-test-KPI-10.jpg" alt="When are the Software Testing KPIs not useful" class="wp-image-22139"/></figure>



<div style="height:30px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



<a href="https://testsigma.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma</a> is one such tool that is quickly getting recognized for the ease of use and the negligible learning curve!



<h2 id="frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



<h3 id="frequently-asked-questions">How Do you Measure QA Success?</h3>



QA success can be measured using KPIs, which will help to get an idea about the test performance. Some key points which are mentioned in KPIs are given below.



<ul><li>Numbers of functional defects in the software.</li><li>Number of tests written in a time frame.</li><li>Numbers of automated cases present in testing.&nbsp;</li><li>How much code is covered in the test cases?</li><li>How many defects are being fixed per day?</li></ul>



<h3 id="what-is-software-testing-key-performance-indicators-kpis">What is Software Testing Key Performance Indicators(KPIs)?</h3>



Key performance indicators(KPIs) in software testing are the calculated data that help to measure the performance and effectiveness of testing. It gives an idea if the software testing is progressing in the right direction and whether it will be done on time.



<h3 id="what-is-the-difference-between-software-testing-metrics-and-kpis">What is the Difference Between Software Testing Metrics and KPIs?</h3>



Software testing metrics are the data used to track and monitor the various operations performed by the testers. Whereas organizations and testers use key performance indicators (KPIs) to determine testing effectiveness and the time and cost required to complete the testing.



<h3 id="h-what-is-kpi-for-the-qa-department">What is KPI for the QA Department?</h3>



KPI for QA is calculated by : The number of tests in a specific time period = Number of tests run/Total time.



Following initial testing, these periods should reduce and eventually settle at a basic level. QA teams can improve these figures by investigating which tests can be executed concurrently or automatically.



<h2 id="suggested-reading">Suggested Reading</h2>



<customlinks>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Positive and Negative Testing Scenarios</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/positive-and-negative-testing-scenarios/</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Software Testing Errors</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/software-testing-errors-to-look-out-for-with-examples/</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Software Testing Trends</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/top-software-testing-trends-to-look-out-for-in-2022/</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Software Testing Interview Questions</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/software-testing-interview-questions/</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Rapid software testing</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/rapid-software-testing/</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Types of review in software testing</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/types-of-review-in-software-testing/</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
</customlinks>

What are the KPIs of Software Testing and QA

What are the KPIs of Software Testing and QA Metrics?

Testing Microservices | What it is, Types and Top Challenges

<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Software_Automation_Testing_Challenges">1 Software Automation Testing Challenges</a></li><li><a href="#Lack_of_Effective_Team_Communication_and_Orchestration">2 Lack of Effective Team Communication and Orchestration</a></li><li><a href="#Not_Having_the_Right_Tool_for_Automation_Testing">3 Not Having the Right Tool for Automation Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#Finding_the_Right_Talent_with_Test_Automation_Knowledge_and_Expertise">4 Finding the Right Talent with Test Automation Knowledge and Expertise</a></li><li><a href="#Outdated_Test_Cases_and_Dilapidated_Framework">5 Outdated Test Cases and Dilapidated Framework</a></li><li><a href="#Upfront_and_Recurring_Costs">6 Upfront and Recurring Costs</a></li><li><a href="#Knowing_the_Right_Testing_Approach_to_Use">7 Knowing the Right Testing Approach to Use</a></li><li><a href="#Getting_Through_All_That_Test_Data">8 Getting Through All That Test Data</a></li></ul></div>
<h2>Software Automation Testing Challenges</h2>



Automation Testing is a byproduct of the need for efficient testing and innovation. Through automation testing, businesses can speed up the software testing process while expanding the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Automation Testing is a byproduct of the need for efficient testing and innovation. Through Automation Testing, businesses can speed up the software testing process while expanding the test coverage. (opens in a new tab)" href="https://testsigma.com/blog/how-create-best-test-case-design-get-maximum-test-coverage/" target="_blank">test coverage</a>.



However, automation testing is not just a walk in the park where one can say “Okay, let’s automate and get this done quick!”. It doesn’t work that way. Here’s a list of challenges you need to anticipate before engaging in software test automation. 



<h2>Lack of Effective Team Communication and Orchestration</h2>



Team collaboration is regarded as one of the most common challenges, yet critical aspect in a project-driven organization, let alone in automation testing. Everyone has to do their fair share of the workload in employing software&nbsp;automation testing. Without teamwork, testing would most likely fail.



Another deal-breaker is the lack of effective communication. By communication, we mean clear and concise feedback information that can be used to make informed decisions. The team can come up with a well-thought and carefully planned test automation plan. Effective communication breaks the barrier of having a disoriented and disorganized testing team. It practically keeps everyone in the loop. 



For automation testing to work, teamwork and communication are essential to <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/top-ways-communicate-software-testing-insights-better/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="share software testing insights (opens in a new tab)">share software testing insights</a> better.



It is important to be transparent on what is happening, what are the roadblocks the team is facing, and how the team will approach and handle them. Keeping them informed will raise another question from them as to how they, as a management team can support you. 



<h2>Not Having the Right Tool for Automation Testing?</h2>



With just one search and a click away, one can have access to a plethora of testing suites and&nbsp;automation testing tools the market has to offer. From freeware and open-source tools like Selenium and Robotium to popular scriptless automation testing tools like <a href="https://testsigma.com/">Testsigma</a>.



It is not that you need to rely on a test automation tool for sure. You need to evaluate if a tool can help automate a scenario faster. However, even in such cases, many teams are reluctant to abandon existing testing scripts and continue to bear the struggles of traditional testing in today&#8217;s Agile world.



If ever you find yourself in such a situation, consider researching the tool you are eyeing to automate your test cases. Additionally, try to perform due diligence of the developer and provider. Opt for demos. Spend productive activity evaluating the tool.



Here&#8217;s an article that discusses 10 points to help you <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="choose the right test automation tool (opens in a new tab)" href="https://testsigma.com/blog/10-points-to-help-you-choose-the-right-test-automation-tool/" target="_blank">choose the right test automation tool</a>.



<h2>Finding the Right Talent with Test Automation Knowledge and Expertise</h2>



Hiring or getting someone who is an expert in software test automation is probably the first thing you have on the list especially if you are eyeing on speeding up the testing phase and reducing the product’s go-to-market time.



<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/is-manual-testing-becoming-a-bottleneck-in-continuous-delivery/">Manual testing</a> involves manually executing test cases, test scripts, and test scenarios. On the other hand, test automation requires testers to know programming and coding to design, build, and maintain the test automation framework.



You have to remember that test automation specialists are the bread and butter of the test automation process. Their knowledge and expertise in what they do keep the ball rolling and without it, software test automation may seem difficult to achieve. 



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<h2>Outdated Test Cases and Dilapidated Framework</h2>



Software test automation is there to make the lives of the QA team much easier by automating tedious and repetitive testing scenarios. Sounds good, isn’t it? Well, all that can change if the testing team is not diligently updating the test cases.



Test cases are not something that you can do one time and that’s it – well, that’s not just it!



In a test automation environment, the reality is that test cases are constantly updated.



Every time there are changes in the requirements, browser, operating system, automation libraries, and the likes. Having outdated test cases and frameworks significantly reduce the effectiveness of your software testing automation. Besides that, what is the point in undertaking test automation if the result is practically the same as going into manual testing? Test automation that falls out of place pretty much beats the purpose.



<h2>Upfront and Recurring Costs</h2>



Setting up the platform for test automation suite incur upfront costs, whether you are using a paid service or not. Regardless of whether the platform you are using is paid or not, you still need to consider the cost involved in training the users who will be using the platforms and those who will maintain it.



Then we have these recurring costs for hosting the platform, maintaining it.



These are one of the things that should not be overlooked when you are to engage with software test automation. Employ reusable code, proper naming conventions and methods.



The user interface of the application may change between builds. A tool like Testsigma creates automated tests that are resistant to these UI changes. 



<h2>Knowing the Right Testing Approach to Use</h2>



Software automation does not only require you to have your team roster full of test automation specialists, or maybe just by having the best and right tool to conduct your test automation. All that would be meaningless if the group has not yet decided on what testing approach to use.



Determining what approach to use is understanding why software test automation is needed, where does automation testing fit, and what is needed for testing and the business to succeed. Identifying the approach is crucial to the success of testing. Jumping right into the battlefield without a careful thought plan is nothing but blind testing.



With a plan of an approach geared to the test automation team, testing life cycles will be laid out along with their corresponding goals and achievable results. It also aligns everyone on the same page in terms of designing and implementing test scenarios and test cases. Additionally, it lets everyone know when the window hour is to update and maintain test scripts and frameworks. 



<h2>Getting Through All That Test Data</h2>



The rapid growth of test data is inevitable when software testing automation is facilitated at an enterprise level. These data are needed to be carefully reviewed and analyzed by the test team. In no time, the test team may find themselves in the middle of test data jungle made out of test results and log files. That is good news because those data contain information which is valuable and critical in the success of test automation. Well here&#8217;s the bad news – finding that valuable information can be difficult at times given that you are sitting in a library of data that keeps on growing while the testing is an ongoing process. 



But Hey! If you are still struggling with all these challenges, <a href="https://testsigma.com/">Testsigma</a>&nbsp;would be an ideal tool to help you move ahead! Easy to learn, adopt, and maintain!



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Factors that slow down Automation Testing_Testsigma

Factors That Slow Down  Automation Testing: Test Automation Challenges

Software development is more systematic today. Organizations are seeking measures to test the effectiveness and completeness of the software. Test coverage is the most valuable of them all. Test Coverage is a technique that measures the amount of automation testing that is performed by a set of tests (or test suites). It helps monitor the quality of automation testing and assists the testers in creating tests that cover all the untested missing areas.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_Test_Coverage">1 What is Test Coverage?</a></li><li><a href="#How_do_you_Ensure_Test_Coverage_to_Achieve_Maximum">2 How do you Ensure Test Coverage to Achieve Maximum?</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">3 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#How_do_you_ensure_better_code_coverage">3.1 How do you ensure better code coverage?</a></li><li><a href="#How_can_I_improve_my_test_coverage_code">3.2 How can I improve my test coverage code?</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_a_test_coverage_plan">3.3 What is a test coverage plan?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="what-is-test-coverage">What is Test Coverage?</h2>



Test coverage is the measurement of testing performed by a set of tests. It quantifies the areas in which a collection of test cases has been tested. <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-coverage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Test coverage</a> includes collecting information to determine which program parts are executed using a test suite to determine which conditional statements have been taken branches. Basically, it is a way of ensuring that you are testing your code and determining how much area of the code a certain set of test plans covers.



Read here about <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-automation-coverage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Test Automation Coverage</a>



Why is Test Coverage Important?



<ul><li>It gives information about the covered and uncovered area of automation testing.</li><li>Test coverage helps to make a decision about the quality of the product.</li><li>It tells the QA tester which all test cases have been executed and which are not.</li><li>Helps to create additional test cases to increase coverage.</li><li>Identify meaningless test cases which have no role in increasing the coverage.</li><li>Identify a quantitative measure of test coverage to ensure quality checks.</li><li>Helps to meet the exit criteria.</li><li>Helps to keep time, scope, and cost under control.</li><li>Prevents defects at an early stage of the project lifecycle.</li><li>Help easily find gaps in requirements and test cases at the unit and code level.</li><li>Allows to count features and measure them against several tests.</li></ul>



Benefits of Test Coverage



Test coverage is useful in implementing numerous testing approaches and plans. Here are some of the ways test coverage is beneficial:



<ul><li>It helps determine which parts of the code have been changed/modified.</li><li>It ensures checking the right areas of the code and highlights issues in those particular areas.</li><li>Test coverage improves the overall quality of the application as it covers a maximum amount of code.</li><li>This process helps in identifying and preventing defects early in the SDLC lifecycle.</li><li>It is easy to uncover gaps in requirements, test cases, and problems at the unit and code levels using <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-coverage-techniques/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test coverage techniques</a>.</li><li>It assists in identifying untested pathways in your application that enhance its usability.</li><li>You can manage testing time, cost, and scope if you properly design and use the test coverage process.</li><li>If you use testing tools, you can easily scale your test coverage.</li></ul>



You can do both functional and non-functional activities. Still, in most cases, the coverage calculations are as per the functional requirements only, as the most important objective of an application is to follow the specification requirements.



Test coverage helps in defining certain parts of the software to cover them with tests. Although it’s a great measuring strategy, even with 100% test coverage, you can’t be certain that your application is 100% bug-free. The ideal amount of test coverage should be based on the automation testing requirements and risk analysis.



<h2 id="how-do-you-ensure-test-coverage-to-achieve-maximum">How do you Ensure Test Coverage to Achieve Maximum?</h2>



<ul><li>Capture all the project related requirements at an early stage</li><li>Identify the critical requirements more accurately by having all the information on the differences between the current release of a product/app and the previous one to maximize positive coverage</li><li>Capture the critical <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/what-is-test-case/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test cases</a> as early as possible</li><li>Prioritize the requirements and focus on areas which are of high importance</li><li>Adapt to test automation and use <a href="https://testsigma.com/test-management-tools" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test management tools</a></li><li>Take an estimation effort in the execution of the test cases</li><li>Make your best resources work on the critical tasks and let new testers explore more from a fresh perspective</li><li>Include the developers as well in the process of writing <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automation tests</a></li><li>QAs&nbsp; and BAs should perform the prioritization of the backlog tasks</li><li>Always maintain a checklist for all the tasks and activities</li><li>Interact more with your Dev team to get application behaviour insights</li><li>Keep track of your build cycles and bug fixes</li><li>Implement the continuous integration so that you can focus on better stability at the later stages as it’s done through the continuous integration for regularly integrating code changes into a shared code repository. Each commit triggers a build during which tests are run that help to identify if anything was broken by the changes.</li></ul>



Read here- <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-coverage-metrics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Test Coverage Metrics</a>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" width="1397" height="382" data-id="5292" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Test-Coverage_Testsigma.png" alt="Test Coverage_Testsigma" class="wp-image-5292" /></figure>
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By understanding automation testing coverage and considering these techniques and with automation as a part of the <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/test-automation-strategy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automation testing strategy</a>, and applying long term coverage criteria, testers can maximize and optimize their test coverage over time. We need to focus on those test coverage criteria that best suit our needs. <a href="https://testsigma.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma</a> offers comprehensive solutions that can help automate all the complex automation testing activities. Start using it today to fast track your automation testing at the speed of Agile.



<h2 id="frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



<h3 id="how-do-you-ensure-better-code-coverage">How do you ensure better code coverage?</h3>



You can ensure code coverage by following its techniques and calculating how many lines of code your tests cover. Writing more test cases, using testing tools to run the tests, and removing redundancies are some of the ways to ensure good code coverage. Read here &#8211; <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/code-coverage-vs-test-coverage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">code coverage vs test coverage</a>



<h3 id="how-can-i-improve-my-test-coverage-code">How can I improve my test coverage code?</h3>



You can improve your test coverage code by following the test coverage techniques and implementing tools that support such methods. Even writing and executing sophisticated test cases with the ability scale to cover more code for testing can improve your test coverage code.



<h3 id="what-is-a-test-coverage-plan">What is a test coverage plan?</h3>



Test coverage plan refers to the overall test plan that shows the areas being covered for testing. It helps monitor the quality of testing using just the test plan.

How To Create The Best Test Case Design To Get Maximum Test Coverage

How Do You Ensure Test Coverage?

Software Test Automation What To Expect In The Near Future

Future of Automation Testing: 9 Important Aspects that Expects Change in Future

Enhancing the robustness of CI/CD Pipeline

CI CD Test Automation | Ways To Enhance the Robustness

As we know, businesses are susceptible to constant change due to the customers’ demands and expectations for new services. In this competitive environment, agility in responding to change is the key to success for every organization. Today, enterprises demand a completely different approach to the software development life cycle (SDLC) for a faster time to market. In order to thrive in this competitive marketplace, IT industry is embracing agile processes and software delivery methods. DevOps is one such recent approach which has been widely acknowledged to handle the ever-changing complex business scenarios.



Today organizations are moving towards the next level of agility through Agile-DevOps transformation as it brings the highest level of quality, productivity, flexibility, and, efficiency thereby giving a competitive edge to your organization. Key Agile/DevOps metrics strive for automation and technical excellence which leads to continuous improvement in efficiency, agility, and quality.



Today, you can’t just walk, you need to run&nbsp;😀



You need to adopt Agile and work with various DevOps constructs. Doing this is not so easy, especially when you are working with complex applications, their integration with a need to release features quickly. It takes a lot of time to manually verify the&nbsp;same functionality works across multiple user interfaces. Manual Testing will not fit your Agile and DevOps strategy. So Continuous Testing is the best approach in this case which can be easily achieved through test automation. Before diving deep about achieving Continuous Testing through test automation, let’s discuss why continuous testing is important.







<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Continuous_Testing">1 Continuous Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Why_Unified_Web_Mobile_Web_Services8217_Automation_is_Important_in_Agile_and_DevOps">2 Why Unified Web, Mobile &amp; Web Services&#8217; Automation is Important in Agile and DevOps?</a></li><li><a href="#Testsigmas_Approach">3 Testsigma’s Approach</a></li><li><a href="#Tool_Features">4 Tool Features</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="continuous-testing">Continuous Testing</h2>



Continuous Testing is a software testing methodology which aims to achieve continuous quality and improvement. Basically a process of testing early, testing often and automate. The strategy evaluates quality at every step of the Continuous Delivery Process. The main objective of continuous testing is to ensure the reliability of the software and analyze the business risk associated with it before the software reaches the market. Continuous Testing comes with the following benefits: 



<ul class="list_style_disc"><li>Continuous testing process helps in finding the risks, addressing them and thereby improving the quality of the product</li>



<li>Software release becomes quick with a weekly to hourly release</li>



<li>Continuous testing improves code quality</li>



<li>It integrates into DevOps proves seamlessly</li>



<li>It avoids disconnect between development, operation and testing teams</li></ul>



<h2 id="why-unified-web-mobile-web-services-automation-is-important-in-agile-and-devops">Why Unified Web, Mobile &amp; Web Services&#8217; Automation is Important in Agile and DevOps?</h2>



As we already discussed, Continuous Testing is the best approach for your Agile and DevOps strategy, which can be achieved through test automation. Hence Automated Continuous Testing platforms have a major role to play in meeting the standards of modern day’s DevOps/Continuous Software Delivery practises. 



There is a need for a Unified Continuous Testing platform that has the ability to automate every application type on all platforms rather than having multiple automation testing tools that can automate just one application type. A comprehensive framework is required specifically to tackle these challenges.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" width="3001" height="839" data-id="4899" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Unified-Test-Automation_Testsigma.jpg" alt="Unified Test Automation_Testsigma" class="wp-image-4899" /></figure>
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A Unified automated solution for web, mobile apps and Desktop web services is the key in Agile and DevOps. It provides a solid framework, clear vision and roadmap to achieve the next level of Agility.



<h2 id="testsigma-s-approach">Testsigma’s Approach</h2>



Today, most of the businesses are dealing with tight deadlines and changing demands from customers. <a href="https://testsigma.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Today, most of the businesses are dealing with tight deadlines and changing demands from customers. Testsigma, as an early adopter of agile methodologies and DevOps, can guide you in your automated testing needs. (opens in a new tab)">Testsigma</a>, as an early adopter of agile methodologies and DevOps, can guide you in your automated testing needs.



<a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Testsigma is a unified automated testing software for web, mobile apps and APIs which helps in the creation and execution of reliable test cases on multiple devices and configurations. Can Testsigma’s approach meet your test automation goals for continuous delivery and DevOps? Let’s find out by digging into some of the features which the tool has in store for us. (opens in a new tab)" href="https://testsigma.com" target="_blank">Testsigma</a> is a unified automated testing software for web, mobile apps and APIs which helps in the creation and execution of reliable test cases on multiple devices and configurations. Can Testsigma’s approach meet your test automation goals for continuous delivery and DevOps? Let’s find out by digging into some of the features which the tool has in store for us.



<h2 id="tool-features">Tool Features</h2>



<ul class="list_style_disc"><li>It uses a simple natural language approach to automate testing for all types of applications including the most complex scenarios.</li><li>Comes with in-built test management to track all the requirements and manage multiple application types within your automation testing tool. It helps in notifying the changes in requirements to the entire team automatically.</li><li>Comes with 1000+ OS/Browser/Version combos 2000+ real mobile devices for both iOS and Android operating systems.</li><li>It provides an extended support for a wide range of web applications, mobile applications and API services and can run both manual and automated tests across all the major OS platforms and browsers.</li><li>For parallel testing, it provides access to thousands of execution configurations for faster development, feedback and delivery cycles. Parallel testing helps test scripts to run same tests again and again on different machines.</li><li>It supports and optimizes the common methodologies of continuous integration and continuous delivery for fast feedback.</li><li>It offers multiple integrations with continuous integration (CI) tools in order to streamline your continuous testing process.</li><li>It provides access to thousands of resources available on the cloud.</li><li>It combines manual and automated testing into one. It provides specific support for manual tests as well.</li><li>It is a single platform that unites all resources together for increased test coverage to produce faster results with negligible initial time and efforts.</li></ul>



There shouldn&#8217;t be a requirement for different skills to automate different applications as it will increase the<a href="https://dev.to/shrutiawake/overcoming-the-ramp-up-delay-cost-and-resources-required-to-automate-testing-18bg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="There shouldn't be a requirement for different skills to automate different applications as it will increase the ramp up delay. It is important to have a unified automated continuous testing software with an inbuilt test management system that can not only allow updating the tests continuously but also help testers connect multiple web, mobile devices having different device configurations, in one go. (opens in a new tab)"> ramp up delay</a>. It is important to have a unified automated continuous testing software with an inbuilt test management system that can not only allow updating the tests continuously but also help testers connect multiple web, mobile devices having different device configurations, in one go.



Testsigma also emphasizes on the importance of <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Testsigma also emphasizes on the importance of actionable feedback in test automation for continuous delivery as it helps to release quality software products faster into production with lesser defects. With continuous feedback, you can ensure continuous improvement by identifying and fixing defects early in the development cycle. Testsigma’s inbuilt automatic feedback mechanism helps make effective decisions on the go through instant notifications and automatic suggestions from AI. (opens in a new tab)" href="https://testsigma.com/blog/importance-actionable-feedback-test-automation-continuous-delivery/" target="_blank">actionable feedback</a> in test automation for continuous delivery as it helps to release quality software products faster into production with lesser defects. With continuous feedback, you can ensure continuous improvement by identifying and fixing defects early in the development cycle. Testsigma’s inbuilt automatic feedback mechanism helps make effective decisions on the go through instant notifications and automatic suggestions from AI.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" width="3001" height="834" data-id="4518" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Testsigma1.jpeg" alt="Try Testsigma" class="wp-image-4518" /></figure>
</figure>



Now you can plan, develop, design, execute, analyze, report and maintain your automated tests at a rapid pace and say goodbye to multiple tools, frameworks, coding and integrations with Testsigma’s <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Now you can plan, develop, design, execute, analyze, report and maintain your automated tests at a rapid pace and say goodbye to multiple tools, frameworks, coding and integrations with Testsigma’s Unified Test Automation Platform to achieve Continuous Testing.
 (opens in a new tab)" href="https://testsigma.com/features" target="_blank">Unified Test Automation Platform</a> to achieve Continuous Testing!

Unified Test Automation For Agile And DevOps

Unified Test Automation For Agile And DevOps | Testsigma

People need convenience, innovation, safety, design, and more from their products and services in this fast-paced world. This pushes companies to develop and test software at a rapid pace to thrive in this competitive marketplace. To meet these demands in quick time, firms leverage automation technology. That&#8217;s where Test Automation Frameworks come into play. As we all know that manual testing is tedious, time-consuming, and requires a high investment in human resources, and hence to avoid all these issues, automation testing is preferred by organizations. So let&#8217;s explore how to choose the suitable <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/build-test-automation-framework-from-scratch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Test Automation Framework From Scratch</a>, when do you choose automated testing framework over manual testing.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Why_Do_You_Need_a_Framework">1 Why Do You Need a Framework?</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_Manual_Testing">1.1 What is Manual Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#When_should_you_use_Manual_Testing">1.2 When should you use Manual Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#What_are_Test_Automation_Frameworks">1.3 What are Test Automation Frameworks?</a></li><li><a href="#When_Do_You_Choose_Automated_Testing_Over_Manual_Testing">1.4 When Do You Choose Automated Testing Over Manual Testing?</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Can_Test_Automation_Frameworks_Replace_Manual_Testing">2 Can Test Automation Frameworks Replace Manual Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Determine_the_Ideal_framework_for_Your_Organization">3 How to Determine the Ideal framework for Your Organization?</a></li><li><a href="#So_Whats_Next">4 So What’s Next?</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">5 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#Which_Framework_is_in_Demand_for_Automation_Testing">5.1 Which Framework is in Demand for Automation Testing?</a></li><li><a href="#What_are_the_Main_Components_of_the_Test_Automation_Framework">5.2 What are the Main Components of the Test Automation Framework?</a></li><li><a href="#Is_Selenium_Framework_Automation">5.3 Is Selenium Framework Automation?</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Suggested_Reading">6 Suggested Reading</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="why-do-you-need-a-framework">Why Do You Need a Framework?</h2>



A framework is a set of tools and conventions for developing software applications. It provides structure and guidance to help developers create reliable, maintainable, and scalable applications. Frameworks also provide developers with a standard way to organize their code, saving time and effort when building complex applications. Additionally, frameworks often include libraries of pre-written code that can be used to add functionality or speed up development quickly.



<h3 id="what-is-manual-testing"><a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/manual-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">What is Manual Testing?</a></h3>



Manual Testing is software testing in which the tester manually executes test cases without using any automation tools. This involves manually assessing the functionality of an application, its features, and other characteristics to ensure that it meets the specified requirements. Manual Testing includes designing test cases, executing them, logging defects, and reporting results.



<h3 id="when-should-you-use-manual-testing">When should you use Manual Testing?</h3>



Manual Testing is an integral part of the software development process. It involves the execution of tests by a human tester to detect defects, bugs, and other issues in the software product.



<ul><li>Manual Testing should be used when complex functionalities need to be tested or when there is a need for exploratory Testing.</li><li>It should also be used when automated tests cannot be created due to the complexity of the application.</li><li>Manual Testing is also helpful in validating user experience, allowing testers to interact with the application and identify any usability issues.</li><li>Additionally, manual Testing can help identify edge cases and scenarios that may not have been captured in automated tests.</li><li>Manual Testing can also help verify if all requirements have been met and all features are functioning as expected.</li><li>Finally, manual Testing can provide valuable feedback about the quality of the software product from an end-user perspective.</li></ul>



<h3 id="what-are-test-automation-frameworks">What are Test Automation Frameworks?</h3>



Test Automation Frameworks are like blueprints for making automated tests. They help you create efficient and repeatable tests that can be used on different platforms and applications. It also helps you use data-driven Testing and object-oriented programming and connect with other tools like version control systems.



<h3 id="when-do-you-choose-automated-testing-over-manual-testing">When Do You Choose <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Automated Testing</a> Over Manual Testing?</h3>



Test Automation Frameworks help streamline the process of creating automated tests. They provide a structure and set of tools that can be used to create an efficient and consistent approach to automated Testing. Test automation frameworks can be used in a variety of different situations, such as when: 



1. The application being tested is complex or requires many tests. 



2. There is a need for multiple test environments or platforms. 



3. Tests must be run frequently and consistently across different application versions. 



4. Tests must be integrated with other development processes, such as continuous integration or DevOps pipelines. 



5. Tests require data-driven capabilities, such as parameterization or data-driven Testing. 



6. Multiple teams work on the same project and must share test assets and results consistently.



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<h2 id="can-test-automation-frameworks-replace-manual-testing">Can Test Automation Frameworks Replace Manual Testing?</h2>



Nope, automation frameworks can&#8217;t take the place of manual Testing. While they can reduce the time and energy needed for <a href="https://testsigma.com/regression-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regression testing</a>, manual Testing is still essential. Automated tests may not be able to pick up on specific problems that a person has to find through <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/exploratory-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exploratory Testing</a> or other kinds of manual tests.



Scenarios, where test automation frameworks can replace manual Testing, include:



<ol><li>Regression testing of stable and frequently executed <a href="https://testsigma.com/guides/what-is-test-case/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test cases</a> is necessary to ensure the accuracy and reliability of software.</li><li><a href="https://testsigma.com/data-driven-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Data-driven Testing</a> with large data sets is also essential, as it allows for a thorough evaluation of the system&#8217;s performance.</li><li>Additionally, test cases that require repetitive execution with multiple sets of data should be automated to reduce time consumption and minimize potential human errors.</li></ol>



<h2 id="how-to-determine-which-framework-is-right-for-your-organization-1">How to Determine the Ideal framework for Your Organization?</h2>



Every team and every project has requirements for&nbsp;<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/why-test-data-management-is-more-important-than-you-think/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test data management</a>, test behavior specification, error handling, reporting, etc. Before finalizing the ideal framework for your organization, you should ask these questions to yourself:



<ol><li>Does the application have a complex flow? Have a look at the testing requirements.</li><li>What is the user experience like, and consider the technology used in the application?</li><li>Determine the costs associated with each framework.</li><li>Can your team easily plug into one of the frameworks? Evaluate the skill set of your team within the organization.</li><li>What guidelines will give the desired results of the automated tests?</li><li>Which tools would be ideal for your organization before designing an approach that fulfills all the requirements?</li><li>What is the technical proficiency of the people who will maintain test automation?</li><li>What types of reporting are expected from the automation?</li></ol>



It is best to create a scorecard to assess several parameters, including scripting, integration, reports generated, usage, etc. while evaluating multiple tools. Test automation frameworks will establish the guidelines to achieve the desired goals of automated tests. But a qualified and proficient test automation professional should be involved in considering the design and implementation of automation frameworks or the selection of software tools.



<h2 id="so-what-s-next">So What’s Next?</h2>



In today&#8217;s modern software development methods, test automation frameworks have a vital role to play. Even small/medium enterprises are looking forward to reaping the benefits of automation frameworks to meet the demand for their products &amp; services. They are very much prepared for its need in the future. 



Test automation can make software testing more efficient, accurate, and fast. But it can be difficult to switch from manual Testing. That&#8217;s where Testsigma comes in &#8211; an advanced <a href="https://testsigma.com/ai-driven-test-automation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI-driven cloud-based test automation solution</a> made for Agile and DevOps teams. 



Testsigma makes it super easy to switch from manual to automated Testing without knowing a lot of coding. Its user-friendly design and excellent features make it the perfect choice for Agile and DevOps teams who want their tests to go faster. Testsigma gives you everything you need for <a href="https://testsigma.com/continuous-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">continuous testing</a>, like reusable test assets and easy-to-read reports. Plus, since it&#8217;s cloud-based, you can access your test data anytime, anywhere. So why wait? If you&#8217;re looking for a unified test automation solution to help you reach your goals, give Testsigma a try today!



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<h2 id="frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



<h3 id="which-framework-is-in-demand-for-automation-testing">Which Framework is in Demand for Automation Testing?</h3>



Many people now want to use test automation frameworks like Selenium, Appium, and TestNG. But which one you need depends on the type of technology your project uses and what kind of Testing you&#8217;re doing. 



Testsigma is a cloud-based test automation platform that uses AI to make Testing easier for Agile and DevOps teams, no matter what technology they use. It has many features that make it an excellent choice for companies who want to speed up their testing process. Check out <a href="https://testsigma.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma </a>to learn more about Testsigma and all its cool features!



<h3 id="what-are-the-main-components-of-the-test-automation-framework">What are the Main Components of the Test Automation Framework?</h3>



The main components of the test automation framework are: 



1. Test Automation Tool: A test automation tool is software for executing automated tests. 



2. Test Environment Setup: The setup includes all the hardware and software required to run automated tests. 



3. Test Scripts: The test scripts are the actual code that will be executed by the test automation tool. 



4. Test Data: Test data feed input into the AUT during Testing. 



5. Results Analysis: After running automated tests, it&#8217;s crucial to analyze the results



<h3 id="is-selenium-framework-automation">Is Selenium Framework Automation?</h3>



Selenium is a tool that lets you test web apps and automate tasks like filling out forms, clicking links, and navigating pages. It works on lots of different browsers, languages, and operating systems. You can also use it to create scripts that run on multiple platforms. 



Selenium isn&#8217;t a framework itself, but it can help you create frameworks for automated Testing &#8211; these are called &#8220;Selenium frameworks,&#8221; and they give you a structure for writing tests, organizing data, and managing resources like drivers, config files, and results.



<h2 id="suggested-reading">Suggested Reading</h2>



<customlinks>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Test Automation Framework</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/build-test-automation-framework-from-scratch/</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>UI Frameworks for Android AutomationTesting</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/top-ui-frameworks-for-android-automation-testing/</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Essential Elements of Test Automation </ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/essential-elements-of-test-automation/</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>IOS Testing Frameworks</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/blog/ios-testing-frameworks/</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
<ts-link-item>
<ts-linktext-value>Automation Testing Tools</ts-linktext-value>
<ts-linkurl-value>https://testsigma.com/qa-automation-tools</ts-linkurl-value>
</ts-link-item>
</customlinks>

When to Choose Test Automation Framework Over Manual Testing

With advancements in technology, major areas in every field are researching and employing new tools to simplify their workflows and make things simpler. These tools also mean reduced effort and time. But as is common, we are apprehensive of anything new and are reluctant to step out of the comfort zone and into an unknown territory.



The same is the case with new improved automation testing approaches like <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/scriptless-test-automation-solution-how-to-use-it-to-improve-your-testing-roi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The same is the case with new improved automation testing approaches like Scriptless automation testing that are now being introduced in the market. (opens in a new tab)">Scriptless automation testing</a> that are now being introduced in the market.



<div>&nbsp;</div>



Some common thoughts that prevent us from exploring such new tools are “Scriptless automation is not really going to be that easy”, “What if something unexpected happens?”, “What if this is not the right way?”, “But I&#8217;m halfway through. I&#8217;m not jumping in that bandwagon! ”.



And, “What is wrong with our current processes?”, ”We don’t really need a change, all our needs are met.”, “Embracing new processes means new sets of tools and processes, and again it will need either hiring new people or training the existing ones.”



 



Of course, fearing the unknown is good but why rule it all? Giving these scriptless automation testing tools a try and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Of course, fearing the unknown is obvious and good but giving these scriptless automation testing tools a try and comparing them with the traditional scripted ones in all aspects is the need of the hour for better adoption of technology and moving ahead.
 (opens in a new tab)" href="https://testsigma.com/blog/selenium-alternative-for-automated-regression-testing/" target="_blank">comparing them with the traditional scripted ones</a> in all aspects is the need of the hour for better adoption of technology and moving ahead. Let us discuss the reasons why new user-friendly scriptless automation testing tools are still only a second thought.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><ul><li><a href="#The_market_tends_to_lean_towards_open_source_and_free_technologies">0.1 The market tends to lean towards open source and free technologies</a></li><li><a href="#There_are_a_lot_of_test_cases_that_are_automated_already_moving_to_a_new_tool_seems_cumbersome_and_expensive">0.2 There are a lot of test cases that are automated already, moving to a new tool seems cumbersome and expensive</a></li><li><a href="#When_tools_are_being_researched_for_implementation_the_famous_and_widely_adopted_ones_are_generally_preferred">0.3 When tools are being researched for implementation, the famous and widely adopted ones are generally preferred</a></li><li><a href="#Fear_of_the_unknown">0.4 Fear of the unknown</a></li><li><a href="#Maintaining_the_current_automated_tests_is_tedious">0.5 Maintaining the current automated tests is tedious</a></li><li><a href="#Because_of_the_high_learning_curve_of_the_automation_testing_tool_in_use_there_are_just_a_handful_of_resources_that_can_debug_the_test_cases">0.6 Because of the high learning curve of the automation testing tool in use, there are just a handful of resources that can debug the test cases</a></li><li><a href="#You_are_looking_to_reduce_the_time_and_cost_involved_in_writing_and_maintaining_your_automated_test_cases_in_the_long_run">0.7 You are looking to reduce the time and cost involved in writing and maintaining your automated test cases in the long run</a></li><li><a href="#An_overhaul_in_the_product_is_being_planned">0.8 An overhaul in the product is being planned</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Try_Testsigma_for_Scriptless_Automation_Testing">1 Try Testsigma for Scriptless Automation Testing</a></li></ul></div>
<h3 id="the-market-tends-to-lean-towards-open-source-and-free-technologies">The market tends to lean towards open source and free technologies</h3>



As Open Source and Free tools like Selenium and Appium don’t require an initial investment to learn and apply, the number of people skilled in such tools is much more compared to the paid ones. This also means that these tools are adopted by more number of companies than the ones that would require monetary investment on the automation testing tool.&nbsp; 



Thus, Ease-of-use and less cost of resources, in the long run, is a factor that is missed accounting for when automation is planned. 



<h3 id="there-are-a-lot-of-test-cases-that-are-automated-already-moving-to-a-new-tool-seems-cumbersome-and-expensive">There are a lot of test cases that are automated already, moving to a new tool seems cumbersome and expensive</h3>



When a lot of time and money has been invested during the automation of test cases and there is a large test suite that is being executed already. It does make much sense to move these to a new scriptless automation testing tool. Even though it will be scriptless, it will require some time for covering all test cases. 



This is a valid point unless the test cases are proving too much to be maintained. This point will be discussed in detail later in the article. 



<h3 id="when-tools-are-being-researched-for-implementation-the-famous-and-widely-adopted-ones-are-generally-preferred">When tools are being researched for implementation, the famous and widely adopted ones are generally preferred</h3>



Before any automation testing is put into place, most of the companies spend some time in figuring out the tool that best suit their needs. One of the major factors in picking up a tool is the high adoption rate. If there are multiple organizations that use a tool, the trust factor is more.



People also rely on experience when the question of using an automation testing&nbsp; tool comes up. If in an organization there is someone who has previously worked on a tool, that tool will automatically get preference because that is known to work first hand. Again, in this scenario, the much-needed analysis before choosing the right tool is skipped and the advantage of using a scriptless automation tool is mostly forgotten. 



<h3 id="fear-of-the-unknown">Fear of the unknown</h3>



As discussed before, when someone is asked to use a new tool that has not been widely used yet. The fear of unknown failures and the belief that help, when needed, would not be readily available, prevents people from adopting it. 



Even though we discussed why there is a reluctance to abandon already automated tests, we also need to know what are the scenarios when adopting new scriptless automation tools will prove beneficial for you. 



<h3 id="maintaining-the-current-automated-tests-is-tedious">Maintaining the current automated tests is tedious</h3>



If you would look at testimonials of people using scriptless automation testing tools in the market like Testsigma or any other, you will find out that people have moved very large sets of test cases to new automation tools and have saved time and money in the long run. So, if there are moments when the amount of time and effort that is being spent while automating the test cases seems to get on your nerves, re-evaluating the tools used will prove beneficial.&nbsp; 



<h3 id="because-of-the-high-learning-curve-of-the-automation-testing-tool-in-use-there-are-just-a-handful-of-resources-that-can-debug-the-test-cases">Because of the high learning curve of the automation testing tool in use, there are just a handful of resources that can debug the test cases</h3>



If there are a limited number of people that can write and debug your test cases and you have a large testing team, it is time to switch to a testing automation tool that enables all the users to create the test cases. The way to go here is a scriptless test automation tool. The need to collaborate is important too. 



<h3 id="you-are-looking-to-reduce-the-time-and-cost-involved-in-writing-and-maintaining-your-automated-test-cases-in-the-long-run">You are looking to reduce the time and cost involved in writing and maintaining your automated test cases in the long run</h3>



A scriptless automation testing tool may require some investment upfront but what needs to be considered is the total cost involved in learning the tool, test case automation and maintenance. If the total cost is less than the cost for another tool that has a higher learning curve and requires more time for test case automation and maintenance, then the choice is clear.&nbsp; 



A scriptless automation testing tool like <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="A scriptless automation tool like Testsigma that offers AI supported scriptless automation and test case maintenance, is sure to keep the maintenance cost to a minimum. (opens in a new tab)" href="https://testsigma.com" target="_blank">Testsigma</a> that offers AI supported test case maintenance is sure to keep the maintenance cost to a minimum.



<h3 id="an-overhaul-in-the-product-is-being-planned">An overhaul in the product is being planned</h3>



If your product is going through an overhaul, it is the perfect time to reconsider your choices in terms of the automation testing tool being used and if possible, go for a better solution.



Check out the different scriptless testing methods you need to check out!



<figure class="wp-block-embed-wordpress wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-testsigma-blog"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="91jgVqEcY1"><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/scriptless-automated-testing-is-not-the-same-as-record-and-playback/">Record and Playback Testing vs Scriptless Automation Testing: Which is Good?</a></blockquote><iframe class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" style="position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);" title="&#8220;Record and Playback Testing vs Scriptless Automation Testing: Which is Good?&#8221; &#8212; Testsigma Blog" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/scriptless-automated-testing-is-not-the-same-as-record-and-playback/embed/#?secret=sI9sxX4SuO#?secret=91jgVqEcY1" data-secret="91jgVqEcY1" width="500" height="282" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>
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<h2 id="try-testsigma-for-scriptless-automation-testing">Try Testsigma for Scriptless Automation Testing</h2>



In today’s times, when Testsigma provides automation that can be scriptless, test cases that can be maintained via artificial intelligence, can be hosted on the cloud saving infrastructure cost, can be integrated with all widely used tools for analysis and reporting and last but not the least, the test cases can be run on a device farm in addition to physical devices!



Check out <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/scriptless-test-automation-tool-why-testsigma/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Check out Why Choose Testsigma as your Scriptless Test Automation Tool? (opens in a new tab)">Why Choose Testsigma as your Scriptless Test Automation Tool</a>? 



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Reluctance To Abandon Automated Tests And Switch To Scriptless Automation Testing