Cypress vs. Selenium- Which framework to choose

Cypress vs Selenium- Which Framework is Best Fit for You?

How To Use Desired Capabilities in Selenium WebDriver and Appium

Test automation distinguishes itself by making a difference via reducing expenses, boosting productivity, and lowering error rates. No development team, I&#8217;m sure, will reject the efficiency that a solid automation suite can establish during a typical development process. The most significant of these traits is that test automation is a collaborative and time-consuming effort. Silo tests frequently fail to produce the desired outcomes, especially when many teams are working together to create impact.&nbsp;



In order to keep the machine running smoothly, collaboration is essential oil. This article focuses on the six crucial principles, software test automation teams should talk about before beginning to automate the tests &nbsp;Creating consensus and outlining common rules aids teams in creating and maintaining cleaner and efficient code.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/image-37.png" alt="6 test automation principles" class="wp-image-27469" width="600" height="400"/></figure></div>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#1_System_statenbsp">1 1. System state&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="#2_Authenticationnbsp">2 2. Authentication&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="#3_Authorisationnbsp">3 3. Authorisation&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="#4_Test_data_bed">4 4. Test data bed</a></li><li><a href="#5_Test_Layeringnbsp">5 5. Test Layering&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="#6_Frequency_of_test_executionnbsp">6 6. Frequency of test execution&nbsp;</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-1-system-state">1. System state&nbsp;</h2>



While building the test automation suite, one important principle is “system state”. System state makes the foundational aspect and has direct influence on the success or failure of test suite. Considering the application design into the account teams have to consider the state in which the application presents better. Not to forget the costs involved in maintaining the environment. Test environments are set up in various ways&nbsp;



i. Long Living test environment &#8211; These are the test environments, once set up will continue to run except few maintenance shutdowns. Usually, enterprise applications are backed with such test environments due to the complexity of the business functions and speghetti system configuration. Most often we also see legacy applications running on long living test environments.&nbsp;



ii. Hybrid test environments &#8211; These are the test environments where part of the system configuration is up and running all the time, whereas some part can be triggered on-demand. These type of test environments are the most complex to work with due to the partial existence, not many teams prefer the system set up this way.&nbsp;



iii. On-demand Test environments&#8211; These are the test environments which can be set up anytime and dismantled after the use. Most often cloud applications harness this advantage.&nbsp;



In each of these test environment the behavior of test data, authroization, authentication and external integrations vary at various levels. Test teams have to&nbsp; take into application architecture into account before designing the E2E tests. While long living test environments are blessed with an advantage of maintaining and managing the system status, the On-demand environments have advantage of prestine test environment avoiding any stale test data.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/image-39.png" alt="test environments" class="wp-image-27473" width="600" height="400"/><figcaption>On-demand Test environments</figcaption></figure></div>



<h2 id="2-authentication">2. Authentication&nbsp;</h2>



The most fundamental test that any automation suite may have is user authentication into an application. However, the majority of applications operate behind cookies. When a user logs into an application, the application is supported by pertinent cookies to function around the user. The high level of personal experience that e-commerce websites want to deliver necessitates that these applications operate behind cookies.&nbsp;



There are 2 ways to distribute these cookies.&nbsp;



1. Create the appearance of a typical user action and log in to the application using the user credentials.&nbsp;



2. After starting the program, insert these cookies into the active browser session to acquire access to it before the window loads.&nbsp;



Before creating the test suits, test teams should agree on the execution strategy, especially in multi-scrum/scaled agile teams. Depending on how the system is accessed, various <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/software-testing-strategy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">testing strategies</a> are used. When tests are created to use embedded cookies, extra caution must be taken to check the cookies each time the session reloads; otherwise, the tests will continue to regularly fail.&nbsp;



According to the test requirements of the team, the test suite is frequently repeated and run in a variety of environments, including development, testing, staging, demo, and production. In these circumstances, the test suit unquestionably requires clarification regarding how authentication will be handled.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/image-38.png" alt="Authentication " class="wp-image-27471" width="600" height="400"/><figcaption>Authentication&nbsp;</figcaption></figure></div>



<h2 id="3-authorisation">3. Authorisation&nbsp;</h2>



One of the key concepts in any B2B or B2C application is access management. Authorization for user layers is a widely used notion in business solutions. Before developing the test automation suit, this is one of the most vital aspects that needs to be addressed. Concepts related to identity and access management should be handled as early in the phase as possible given they directly affect the test design.&nbsp;



Below are a few open questions to consider&nbsp;



Should you create several users with various levels of access? or alter the authorisations on the fly while running the test?&nbsp;



Should you create a new user each time the test is triggered? or can we have long living user credentials?&nbsp;



How do you prefer to compare modifications made by users with varying levels of authorisation?&nbsp;



What levels must be included in the process of test automation? Should we conduct vertical testing or handle each tier separately? What user combinations can never be generated?&nbsp;



Test data dependancy for user levels&nbsp;



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<h2 id="4-test-data-bed">4. Test data bed</h2>



Preparing the test bed before the test execution is very important. Most tests should be supported with relevant Test data for successful execution. Theoretically most data should be flexible and should be achieved through parameterization. However, in real world execution not all tests can be run on flexible protocol due to various parameters.&nbsp;



A shared understanding of the constants used for the test execution should be established. Test framework should also be supported with separate file with collection of hard data. Application URL, User credentials, search terms, forms etc are classic examples where we see hard data being seeded.&nbsp;



<h2 id="5-test-layering">5. Test Layering&nbsp;</h2>



Load a Frontend, perform an action wait for the operation to take place triggering changed UI state. Applying assertion on the changed UI state is what by and large is defined as test automation. Personally, I believe this is not how tests should be automated. By restricting the checks only to the old v/s new UI state you are barely scratching the surface of the test goal.&nbsp;



Establish a clear test design guideline for all CRUD operations performed and layers that needs to be verified to call it a successful tests. For example: When a user is prompted to fill the form and on click of save button the form details will be saved in backend DB. The tests should include the verification of the calls made to the backend, type of data transferred, checking the headers for security, verifying the response call, verifying the response schema and finally validating the data rendering on the UI makes a complete test flow for respective feature.&nbsp;



Let us not forget, achieving such test design needs good hold technically. Most often test teams lose their track over a period of time when new team members join and automation is handed over with less care.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/image-40.png" alt="Test Layering " class="wp-image-27475" width="600" height="400"/><figcaption>Performance Checks</figcaption></figure></div>



<h2 id="6-frequency-of-test-execution">6. Frequency of test execution&nbsp;</h2>



&nbsp;A team of active developers generate more PRs in a day compared to conservative development team. The main goal behind <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automating tests</a> is to free up test engineers time for more critical tasks and also to achieve flexibility in executing the tests wherever required without having to worry about environments where the tests are triggered.&nbsp;



A team with higher PR traffic cannot afford to wait until all tests get executed to receive the early feedback. As this becomes the bottleneck in the <a href="https://www.redhat.com/en/topics/devops/what-cicd-pipeline" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CI pipeline</a> as agents get busy building the code for a long. Thus, as a team, the last principle of software test automation is to decide on the type and frequency of tests to be performed during the code build, during the nightly executions etc.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/image-41.png" alt="Frequency of test execution" class="wp-image-27477" width="600" height="400"/></figure></div>



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Read more articles written by Sowmya Sridharamurthy:



<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/the-unpleasant-phenomenon-in-agile-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Unpleasant Phenomenon In Agile Testing</a>



<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/api-testing-basics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">API testing basics for beginners</a>

6 elemental principles to be discussed before initiating test automation

6 Elemental Principles of Automation: Why They Matter?

5 SQL Injection Testing Methods and Why to Automate Your Test

SQL Injection Testing -Methods and Why to Automate Your Test

API vs UI Testing Which One Should You Pick

API vs UI Testing: Which One Should You Pick

14 Top Test Automation Frameworks in 2023

14 Top Test Automation Frameworks in this Year

An application has different Web Elements like buttons, text boxes, checkboxes, menus, sliders, and more. While testing using Selenium, you can simulate certain scenarios by automating low-level interactions with the WebElement(s) in the DOM, such as keypresses and mouse button operations (such as click, double click, and right-click). One such action is Mouse hover over a web element.&nbsp;



Moving the cursor over an element in a graphical user interface (GUI) without clicking is called hovering. In web design, hovering is frequently used to show more details or options related to an element. For instance, a submenu displaying more options may emerge when you hover over a menu item.&nbsp;



In this blog, we&#8217;d see how to perform mouse hover actions in Selenium WebDriver.



Let’s get started!



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_a_Mouse_Hover_Action">1 What is a Mouse Hover Action?</a></li><li><a href="#Importance_of_Mouse_Hover_Actions_in_GUI_Testing">2 Importance of Mouse Hover Actions in GUI Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Understanding_the_Actions_Class_in_Selenium">3 Understanding the Actions Class in Selenium</a><ul><li><a href="#Overview_of_the_Actions_Class">3.1 Overview of the Actions Class</a></li><li><a href="#Methods_and_Properties_of_the_Actions_Class">3.2 Methods and Properties of the Actions Class</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#How_to_implement_Mouse_Hover_in_Selenium_using_the_Actions_Class">4 How to implement Mouse Hover in Selenium using the Actions Class?</a></li><li><a href="#How_can_I_position_the_mouse_cursor_at_an_offset_element">5 How can I position the mouse cursor at an offset element?</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">6 Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">7 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#nbspHow_to_mouse_hover_and_click_in_selenium">7.1 &nbsp;How to mouse hover and click in selenium?</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_get_hover_text_in_Selenium">7.2 How to get hover text in Selenium?</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_perform_mouse_actions_in_selenium">7.3 How to perform mouse actions in selenium?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-a-mouse-hover-action">What is a Mouse Hover Action?</h2>



In <a href="https://www.selenium.dev/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Selenium</a>, you can simulate a mouse hover action to test an element&#8217;s behavior when it has hovered over. This involves using the Actions class to create a new Actions object and then using the moveToElement method to move the mouse cursor over the element. The perform method is then used to execute the mouse hover action.



<h2 id="h-importance-of-mouse-hover-actions-in-gui-testing">Importance of Mouse Hover Actions in GUI Testing</h2>



This type of interaction is common in many web applications and is used to display additional information or options associated with an element.&nbsp;



By testing the behavior of elements during mouse hover actions, you can verify that the application&#8217;s GUI is functioning as intended and that the user experience is consistent and intuitive. This is particularly important for applications that rely heavily on hover-based interactions, such as those with complex navigation menus or dynamic product displays.



Automating mouse hover actions in Selenium also helps to catch subtle bugs and design issues that may not be immediately apparent. For example, if the submenu appears in the wrong location or does not display the expected options, these issues can be identified and addressed before the application is released.



<h2 id="h-understanding-the-actions-class-in-selenium">Understanding the Actions Class in Selenium</h2>



<h3 id="h-overview-of-the-actions-class">Overview of the Actions Class</h3>



The Actions class in Selenium is a class used to simulate user interactions with a web page. It provides a way to perform advanced mouse and keyboard interactions, such as moving the mouse over an element, clicking and holding an element, and dragging and dropping elements. The Actions class is part of the org.openqa.selenium.interactions package in Selenium and can be used with the WebDriver API.



The Actions class has several methods and properties that allow you to simulate a wide range of user interactions. For example, the click method can be used to simulate a mouse click, the moveToElement method can be used to move the mouse over an element, and the keyDown method can be used to simulate a key press.



To use the Actions class, you must first create a new Actions object and then chain together the desired actions using the methods provided by the class. Once you have defined the actions you want to perform, you can use the perform method to execute the actions.



In summary, the Actions class in Selenium provides a powerful and flexible way to simulate advanced user interactions with a web page. It is an essential tool for performing mouse hover actions and other types of interactions in <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/selenium-based-automated-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Selenium testing</a>.



<h3 id="h-methods-and-properties-of-the-actions-class">Methods and Properties of the Actions Class</h3>



The Actions class in Selenium has several methods and properties that can be used to simulate user interactions with a web page. Some of the most commonly used methods and properties are listed below:



Methods:



<ul><li>click: Simulates a mouse click on an element.</li><li>clickAndHold: Clicks and holds down the mouse button on an element.</li><li>doubleClick: Performs a double-click on an element.</li><li>keyDown: Simulates pressing a key on the keyboard.</li><li>keyUp: Simulates releasing a key on the keyboard.</li><li>moveToElement: Moves the mouse cursor over an element.</li><li>release: Releases the mouse button.</li><li>sendKeys: Simulates typing text on the keyboard.</li><li>perform: Executes the defined actions.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-how-to-implement-mouse-hover-in-selenium-using-the-actions-class">How to implement Mouse Hover in Selenium using the Actions Class?</h2>



In Selenium, the Actions class can be used to perform mouse hover actions. Here&#8217;s how you can perform a mouse hover using the Actions class in Selenium:



Syntax:



moveToElement​(WebElement element)&nbsp;– Move the mouse to the middle of the element (i.e. element) which is passed to the method



Step by Step explanation



1. Set the chrome driver path



System.setProperty(&#8220;webdriver.chrome.driver&#8221;, &#8220;/path/to/chromedriver&#8221;);



2. Instantiate the browser driver



WebDriver driver = new ChromeDriver();



3. Launch the browser and website



driver.get(&#8220;https://www.example.com&#8221;);
WebElement element = driver.findElement(By.id(&#8220;locatorvalue&#8221;));



4. Create an instance of an Actions class



Actions actions = new Actions(driver);



5. Perform the Mouse hover action



actions.moveToElement(element).build().perform();



Code Snippet:&nbsp;



package demo;

import org.openqa.selenium.By;
import org.openqa.selenium.WebDriver;
import org.openqa.selenium.WebElement;
import org.openqa.selenium.chrome.ChromeDriver;
import org.openqa.selenium.interactions.Actions;

public class MouseHover {
 public static void main(String[] args) throws Exception {
 // Set the path of the ChromeDriver
 System.setProperty(&#8220;webdriver.chrome.driver&#8221;, &#8220;.\\chromedriver.exe&#8221;);

 // Instantiate the Chrome driver
 WebDriver driver = new ChromeDriver();

 // Launch a website
 driver.get(&#8220;https://testsigma.com/&#8221;);
 driver.manage().window().maximize();
 // Identify the element to be hovered
 WebElement element = driver.findElement(By.xpath(&#8220;//a[text()=&#8217;Resources&#8217;]&#8221;));

 // Instantiate the Actions class
 Actions actions = new Actions(driver);

 // Perform the mouse hover action
 actions.moveToElement(element).build().perform();
 
 // close the browser
 driver.close();
 }
}



<h2 id="h-how-can-i-position-the-mouse-cursor-at-an-offset-element">How can I position the mouse cursor at an offset element?</h2>



In Selenium, the Actions class can be used to move the mouse cursor to a specific offset relative to an element. Here&#8217;s how you can perform this action using the Actions class in Selenium:



Syntax:



moveToElement​(WebElement, X, Y)&nbsp;– Move to an offset (x_Offset and y_Offset) from the WebElement’s in canter viewpoint.



Code Snippet:



package demo;
import org.openqa.selenium.By;
import org.openqa.selenium.WebDriver;
import org.openqa.selenium.WebElement;
import org.openqa.selenium.chrome.ChromeDriver;
import org.openqa.selenium.interactions.Actions;

public class MouseHoverByOffset {
 public static void main(String[] args) throws Exception {
 //Set the path of the Chromedriver path
 System.setProperty(&#8220;webdriver.chrome.driver&#8221;, &#8220;C:\\Users\\sgokhru\\Downloads\\chromedriver_win32\\chromedriver.exe&#8221;);

 //Instantiate the Chrome driver
 WebDriver driver = new ChromeDriver();

 //Launch the website
 driver.get(&#8220;https://testsigma.com/&#8221;);
 driver.manage().window().maximize();

 //Identify the element to be hovered
 WebElement element = driver.findElement(By.xpath(&#8220;//a[text()=&#8217;Resources&#8217;]&#8221;));

 //Instantiate of the Actions class
 Actions actions = new Actions(driver);

 // Perform the mouse hover action
 actions.moveToElement(element, 10, 20).build().perform();
 Thread.sleep(3000);
 //close the browser
 driver.close();
 }
}



In this example, the Chrome driver is being used, so the path to the chromedriver executable must be set. The element_id is the id of the element on the page to which you want to move the mouse cursor. The Actions class is used to simulate mouse events, and the moveToElement method is used to move the mouse to a specific offset relative to the specified element. 



The first argument to the moveToElement method is the element, and the second and third arguments are the x and y offsets, respectively. The build method is used to compile the actions into a single step, and the perform method is used to execute the actions.



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<h2 id="h-conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



In conclusion, mouse hover is a commonly used interaction in web applications and can be easily simulated using the Actions class in Selenium. The Actions class provides a way to simulate mouse and keyboard events in the browser, and the moveToElement method can be used to perform mouse hover actions. You can also move the mouse cursor to a specific offset relative to an element by using the moveToElement method with x and y offset arguments.



It&#8217;s important to note that mouse hover actions can be used to uncover hidden elements or drop-down menus and can be useful in navigating and <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-web-application-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">testing web applications</a>.&nbsp;



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



<h3 id="h-how-to-mouse-hover-and-click-in-selenium">&nbsp;How to mouse hover and click in selenium?</h3>



You can perform a mouse hover and click action in Selenium using the following steps in Java:



<ul><li>Locate the element: First, you need to locate the element you want to perform the mouse hover and click action on. You can locate the element using its id, class name, xpath, or any other method supported by Selenium.</li> <li>Import the Actions class: In order to perform mouse actions, you need to import the Actions class from the org.openqa.selenium.interactions.Actions package.</li> <li>Create an instance of Actions: After importing the Actions class, create an instance of Actions and pass the web driver instance as the parameter.</li> <li>Mouse hover: Use the moveToElement method of the Actions class to move the mouse cursor over the element you want to hover.</li> <li>Click: To perform the click action, use the click method of the Actions class.</li></ul>



Syntax :



WebElement element = driver.findElement(By.id(&#8220;element-id&#8221;));
 Actions actions = new Actions(driver);
 actions.moveToElement(element).perform();
 actions.click(element).perform();



 <h3 id="h-how-to-get-hover-text-in-selenium">How to get hover text in Selenium?</h3>



In Selenium, you can get the text displayed on an element when you hover over element by using the following steps in Java:



<ul><li>Locate the element: First, you need to locate the element you want to get the hover text from. You can locate the element using its id, class name, xpath, or any other method supported by Selenium.</li> <li>Import the Actions class: In order to perform mouse actions, you need to import the Actions class from the org.openqa.selenium.interactions.Actions package.</li> <li>Create an instance of Actions: After importing the Actions class, create an instance of Actions and pass the web driver instance as the parameter.</li> <li>Mouse hover: Use the moveToElement method of the Actions class to move the mouse cursor over the element you want to hover.</li> <li>Get the hover text: To get the hover text, you can use the getAttribute method of the WebElement class and pass the title as the argument. The title attribute contains the text displayed when you hover over the element.</li></ul>



Syntax:



WebElement element = driver.findElement(By.id(&#8220;element-id&#8221;));
 Actions actions = new Actions(driver);
 actions.moveToElement(element).perform();
 String hoverText = element.getAttribute(&#8220;title&#8221;);
 System.out.println(&#8220;Hover text: &#8221; + hoverText);



 <h3 id="h-how-to-perform-mouse-actions-in-selenium">How to perform mouse actions in selenium?</h3>



In Selenium, you can perform mouse actions (such as hover, click, right-click, double-click, etc.) in Java by using the Actions class. Here&#8217;s how you can do it:



<ul><li>Import the Actions class: Import the Actions class from the org.openqa.selenium.interactions.Actions package.</li> <li>Create an instance of Actions: Create an instance of Actions and pass the web driver instance as the parameter.</li> <li>Locate the element: Locate the element you want to perform the mouse action on.</li> <li>Perform the mouse action: Use the appropriate method of the Actions class to perform the mouse action. For example, to perform a mouse hover, use the moveToElement method. To click an element, use the click method. To right-click an element, use the contextClick method. To double-click, an element, use the doubleClick method.</li> <li>Build and perform the action: After performing the mouse action, you need to call the build method of the Actions class and then call the perform method to execute the action.</li></ul>



Here&#8217;s an example that demonstrates how to perform a double click in Selenium:



Syntax:



WebElement element = driver.findElement(By.id(&#8220;element-id&#8221;));
 Actions actions = new Actions(driver);
actions.doubleClick(element ).perform();

How to perform Mouse Hover Action in Selenium

As the software development industry continues to evolve and become increasingly complex, organizations must find new ways to streamline their testing processes. Low-code test automation comes into play here. These platforms provide an efficient and cost-effective solution to test automation, empowering engineering teams to create and execute test scripts without extensive programming knowledge. In this post, we will explore the low-code test automation landscape , including the latest trends and challenges.&nbsp;



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#The_State_of_Low_Code_Test_Automation">1 The State of Low Code Test Automation</a><ul><li><a href="#Trends_in_Low_Code_Test_Automation">1.1 Trends in Low Code Test Automation</a><ul><li><a href="#AI_and_Machine_Learning">1.1.1 AI and Machine Learning</a></li><li><a href="#Cloud_Based_Testing">1.1.2 Cloud Based Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Integration_with_CICD_Tools">1.1.3 Integration with CI/CD Tools</a></li><li><a href="#API_Testing">1.1.4 API Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Database_Testing">1.1.5 Database Testing</a></li><li><a href="#Non-Functional_Automation_Testingnbsp">1.1.6 Non-Functional Automation Testing&nbsp;</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Challenges_in_Low_Code_Test_Automation">1.2 Challenges in Low Code Test Automation</a><ul><li><a href="#Limited_Customization">1.2.1 Limited Customization</a></li><li><a href="#Integration_with_Legacy_Systems">1.2.2 Integration with Legacy Systems</a></li><li><a href="#Security_Concerns">1.2.3 Security Concerns</a></li><li><a href="#Performance_at_Scale">1.2.4 Performance at Scale</a></li></ul></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">2 Conclusion</a></li><li><a href="#Suggested_Readings">3 Suggested Readings</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-the-state-of-low-code-test-automation">The State of Low Code Test Automation</h2>



In a <a href="https://www.gartner.com/en/customer-service-support/insights/modernizing-quality-assurance" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">poll conducted</a> by Gartner, 88% of leaders say their quality assurance practices are ineffective. Bridging the gap, adopters of low-code/no-code test automation solutions have witnessed a 3X-7X reduction in development &amp; deployment time, a 3X-5X reduction in development costs, and a 30%-35% increase in ROI. Low-code test automation has come a long way in the past few years, with many platforms now offering advanced features and capabilities. These platforms enable quality teams to quickly build and execute <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automated tests</a> with minimal coding, helping improve the speed and accuracy of software testing.



One of the major advantages of low-code test automation is its ease of use. These platforms provide a user-friendly interface that allows even non-technical team members to create and execute tests. This means that teams can automate their testing processes without relying on dedicated automation engineers, freeing up valuable resources and reducing the time and cost associated with testing.



Low-code test automation also provides greater flexibility in testing scenarios, with teams able to create and execute tests across a range of devices, browsers, and operating systems. This makes it easier to identify and resolve issues before they impact end-users, ultimately improving the overall quality of the software.



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<h3 id="trends-in-low-code-test-automation">Trends in Low Code Test Automation</h3>



As the low-code test automation landscape continues to evolve, several emerging trends are worth paying attention to. Here are some of the most significant trends to keep an eye on:



<h4 id="ai-and-machine-learning">AI and Machine Learning</h4>



According to<a href="https://www.gartner.com/en/conferences/apac/data-analytics-india/featured-topics/data-science-machine-learning-and-artificial-intelligence?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=EVT_IN_2023_BII11_CPC_SEM1_DSA&amp;utm_adgroup=141794023863&amp;utm_term=&amp;ad=632902336019&amp;matchtype=&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAgaGgBhC8ARIsAAAyLfHquZwu-erNa6Lb1z-vQwC-rwYERD6hHaRJ1TB2jlrI11IBbB5w1sMaApg2EALw_wcB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow"> Gartner research</a>, companies that use AI engineering methods to create and manage flexible AI systems will perform better than their competitors in deploying AI models faster and more efficiently by at least 25%. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are increasingly being integrated into low-code test automation platforms, enabling teams to create more intelligent and sophisticated tests. AI and ML can help identify patterns and trends in testing data, allowing teams to make more informed decisions about where to focus their testing efforts.&nbsp;



AI and ML can also help identify missed opportunities in testing and uncover parts of your software that the automation suites have not touched. You will see tools get better at identifying incremental changes to your software and auto-transform test cases to reflect the new nature of your product&nbsp;



<h4 id="cloud-based-testing">Cloud Based Testing</h4>



With the rise of cloud computing, it is no surprise that <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/cloud-based-testing-a-testers-perspective/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cloud based testing</a> is becoming increasingly popular. By 2025, 70% of organisations will be running functional tests in the cloud. A majority of the low-code test automation platforms are increasingly offering cloud-based testing options, allowing teams to execute tests across a range of environments without the need for extensive infrastructure.



<h4 id="integration-with-ci-cd-tools">Integration with <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/ci-cd-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CI/CD Tools</a></h4>



Continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) have become essential for modern software development, and <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/the-era-of-low-code-no-code-platforms-what-you-should-know/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">low code test automation platforms</a> are starting to integrate with these tools. These integrations enable quality teams to automate their testing processes as part of the CI/CD pipeline, improving efficiency and reducing the risk of errors.



<h4 id="api-testing">API Testing</h4>



Testing needs will dictate functional testing flows are integrated with API Testing for each release cycle to increase test coverage for various use-case and scenarios. Low-code <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-api-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automated API testing</a> will provide an accessible, efficient, and cost-effective testing solution for APIs, enabling a wider range of team members to participate in testing and providing a more comprehensive testing process and increasing the overall test coverage.



<h4 id="database-testing">Database Testing</h4>



Quality teams are increasingly being given ownership of the data quality of their systems. Teams will need to cover data validation, and accuracy and ensure no unknown changes to database systems are made over development and release cycles.



Low-code Database testing tools will enable a broader range of team members to participate in testing, including testers, business analysts, and product managers. This can result in faster testing and better test coverage, as more team members can provide feedback on the system.



<h4 id="non-functional-automation-testing">Non-Functional Automation Testing&nbsp;</h4>



As systems and software scale, non-functional tests like accessibility, performance, load, stress and security testing will take the centre stage. It will become mission-critical to ensure business continuity, handle spikes and increased traffic and repel security attacks using plug-and-play low code automation systems for every release cycle.



<h3 id="challenges-in-low-code-test-automation">Challenges in Low Code Test Automation</h3>



While low code test automation offers many benefits, there are also some challenges that organizations need to be aware of. Here are some of the key challenges to consider:



<h4 id="limited-customization">Limited Customization</h4>



Low-code test automation platforms may have limitations when it comes to customization, which could be an issue for teams with more complex testing needs. Organisations should carefully evaluate the capabilities of a low code test automation platform to ensure it meets their specific requirements.



Thankfully, Testsigma is open-source and available for anyone to customize. Testgima cloud allows customers to create and plug in their custom actions via add-ons.



<h4 id="integration-with-legacy-systems">Integration with Legacy Systems</h4>



Organizations with <a href="https://www.door3.com/modernizing-legacy-systems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">legacy systems</a> may find it difficult to integrate a low-code test automation platform, as these systems may need to be compatible with newer technologies. This could limit the effectiveness of the platform and make it more difficult to achieve the desired level of automation. Organizations will have to invest in kicking off small POCs to ensure they move with the world to a low-code setup very soon.



<h4 id="security-concerns">Security Concerns</h4>



As with any technology, there are always security concerns when it comes to low-code test automation. Organizations need to ensure that the platform they choose is secure and that any sensitive data is properly protected.



<h4 id="performance-at-scale">Performance at Scale</h4>



As larger enterprises start moving towards low and <a href="https://www.appypie.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">no-code platform</a> solutions, they will need large scalable and performant systems that support the speed and agility they need. Frameworks will have to compete with an organization&#8217;s internal frameworks and allow organizations to extend these solutions to their unique needs.



<h2 id="conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



According to Gartner,&nbsp; by 2025 70% of organizations will be adopting some form of low-code technologies; Low-code test automation offers a range of benefits for organizations looking to streamline their testing processes. With the latest trends in AI and machine learning, cloud-based testing, and integration with CI/CD tools, low-code test automation is becoming an attractive toolkit in the shift-Left arsenal



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<h2 id="suggested-readings">Suggested Readings</h2>



<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/why-automated-testing-advantages-of-automated-testing/">Benefits of Automation Testing</a>&nbsp;



<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/roi-test-automation/">How to Calculate ROI Test Automation And What You Need?</a>&nbsp;



<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/top-automated-testing-practices-to-follow/">Automated Testing Best Practices: 9 Ways to Ensure Efficient Testing</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;



<a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/scope-and-impact-of-ai-in-automation-testing/">Scope of Automation Testing: How AI Plays an Important Role?</a>&nbsp;

Low Code Test Automation Trends to Look Out for

When automating a web application, we occasionally run across the NoSuchElementException exception, which is thrown when the element being interacted with cannot be located.



The main reason for this error is that the element that has to be interacted with is present on the page but takes some time to load and show up for the user. You can see how this could become a significant problem during automation and cause our scripts to fail. Here is when Selenium Java&#8217;s Thread.sleep() function comes into action. 



Let&#8217;s first learn the fundamentals of the Thread.sleep() Selenium sleep function before we look at how to use it effectively.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Overview_of_Threadsleep">1 Overview of Thread.sleep()?</a></li><li><a href="#Types_of_Wait_Commands_in_Selenium_Java">2 Types of Wait Commands in Selenium Java.</a></li><li><a href="#How_does_Threadsleep_work">3 How does Thread.sleep() work?</a></li><li><a href="#Why_Do_We_Use_Threadsleep_in_Selenium">4 Why Do We Use Thread.sleep() in Selenium?</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_use_Threadsleep_in_Selenium_test_automation">5 How to use Thread.sleep() in Selenium test automation?</a></li><li><a href="#Alternatives_to_Threadsleep">6 Alternatives to Thread.sleep().</a></li><li><a href="#Limitation_of_Threadsleep">7 Limitation of Thread.sleep().</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">8 Conclusion</a><ul><li><a href="#A_new_approach_to_Test_Automation">8.1 A new approach to Test Automation</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">9 Frequently Asked Questions:</a><ul><li><a href="#What_is_the_alternative_for_thread_sleep_in_Selenium">9.1 What is the alternative for thread sleep in Selenium?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-overview-of-thread-sleep">Overview of Thread.sleep()?</h2>



Thread.sleep is a <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/selenium-wait-for-page-to-load/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wait command in Selenium</a>&nbsp; that instructs the program to suspend the execution for a certain condition or a specific amount of time.



Here are some reasons why wait commands are necessary in Selenium.



<ul><li>Page loading: Web pages can take varying amounts of time to load depending on network speed, server response time, and other factors. If you try to interact with elements on the page before the page has fully loaded, your script may fail.</li> <li>Dynamic content: Many modern web pages use dynamic content that is loaded asynchronously, meaning that it can take time for certain elements to become available. If you try to interact with these elements before they are available, your script may fail.</li> <li>Latency: Network latency can cause delays in the time it takes for elements on a page to become available. If you don&#8217;t use wait commands, your script may fail if it attempts to interact with elements before they are fully loaded.</li> <li>Animations: Some web pages use animations or other visual effects that can cause delays in the loading of elements or the timing of events on the page. If you don&#8217;t use wait commands, your script may fail if it attempts to interact with elements during these animations.</li></ul>



<h2 id="types-of-wait-commands-in-selenium-java">Types of Wait Commands in Selenium Java.</h2>



There are three types of wait commands in Selenium Java:



<ul><li>Implicit Wait: Implicit waits are used to set a default waiting time for the web driver to search for an element if it is not immediately available. It is applied to the driver instance globally and is set using the driver.manage().timeouts().implicitlyWait() method. Once set, the implicit wait will remain in effect for the entire lifetime of the WebDriver object, and it will wait for the specified time before throwing a NoSuchElementException. This is useful when you have to perform several operations on a web page that may load or change over time.</li> <li>Explicit Wait: Explicit waits are used to wait for a specific condition to occur before proceeding further in the script. You can define a custom wait condition using the ExpectedConditions class provided by Selenium. The explicit wait is triggered when you use the WebDriverWait class and specify a maximum wait time using the until method. It checks for the presence, visibility, or any other condition of a web element before proceeding. If the condition is not met within the specified time, it throws a TimeoutException.</li> <li>Fluent Wait: Fluent waits are used to define more complex waiting strategies that involve polling for an element repeatedly until a specific condition is met. It can be used to wait for an element to become clickable, and visible, or to wait for a certain amount of time. It is created using the Wait interface and is used to define the maximum wait time, the polling interval, and the condition to wait for. The fluent wait is more flexible than the implicit and explicit waits and allows you to define a custom condition and polling interval, making it useful for waiting for elements that may load or change over time.</li></ul>



Using these wait commands can help to ensure that your Selenium scripts are more stable and reliable by allowing the script to wait for the web page to load or for specific elements to become available before proceeding further.



<h2 id="how-does-thread-sleep-work">How does Thread.sleep() work?</h2>



Thread.sleep() is a method in Java that pauses the current thread for a specified amount of time, allowing other threads to execute. When you call Thread.sleep(), the current thread enters a blocked state for the duration of the sleep period. During this time, the thread doesn&#8217;t execute any code and doesn&#8217;t consume any CPU resources.



Here&#8217;s how Thread.sleep() works:



<ol><li>When you call Thread.sleep(), the current thread enters a blocked state, which means it&#8217;s waiting for a certain amount of time to elapse.</li> <li>The thread scheduler removes the blocked thread from the list of threads that are ready to execute and puts it in a waiting state.</li> <li>While the thread is in a waiting state, the CPU is free to execute other threads that are ready to run.</li> <li>After the specified time has elapsed, the thread scheduler moves the blocked thread back to the list of threads that are ready to execute.</li> <li>The blocked thread is now ready to execute again, and the CPU can execute it along with other ready threads.</li></ol>



It&#8217;s important to note that the actual amount of time that a thread is blocked by Thread.sleep() may be longer or shorter than the specified sleep period. This is because the thread scheduler doesn&#8217;t guarantee precise timing of thread execution, and there may be other factors that affect the thread&#8217;s ability to execute, such as CPU load or other system resources.



<h2 id="why-do-we-use-thread-sleep-in-selenium">Why Do We Use Thread.sleep() in Selenium?</h2>



In Selenium sleep, Thread.sleep() is used to add a delay between operations or to wait for an element to appear on the page. This delay can be useful in a variety of scenarios, such as:



<ul><li>Waiting for page loading: Sometimes, the web page can take a while to load, and you need to wait for it to finish loading before performing any operations on it. In this case, Thread.sleep() can be used to add a delay to allow the page to finish loading.</li> <li>Waiting for element visibility: In some cases, you may need to wait for an element to become visible on the page before you can interact with it. Thread.sleep() can be used to wait for the element to appear on the page.</li> <li>Waiting for element interaction: Sometimes, you need to wait for an element to be interactable before you can click on it or perform any other operation on it. In this case, Thread.sleep() can be used to add a delay to allow the element to become interactable.</li></ul>



<h2 id="how-to-use-thread-sleep-in-selenium-test-automation">How to use Thread.sleep() in Selenium test automation?</h2>



To use the Thread.sleep() method in Java, you need to have a Java program with at least one thread. The Thread.sleep() method is used to pause the execution of a thread for a specified amount of time.



Snippet Code:



<styled-code>
import java.util.concurrent.TimeUnit;
import org.openqa.selenium.By;
import org.openqa.selenium.WebDriver;
import org.openqa.selenium.chrome.ChromeDriver;
import org.testng.Assert;
import org.testng.annotations.Test;

public class Sample {
	@Test
	public void TestSigmaLogin() {
		System.setProperty(&#8220;webdriver.chrome.driver&#8221;, &#8220;path of driver&#8221;);

		WebDriver driver = new ChromeDriver(); // instantiate the browser
		driver.manage().window().maximize(); // maximize the browser
		driver.get(&#8220;https://app.testsigma.com/ui&#8221;); // opening the application
		Thread.sleep(3000); //It will wait for 3sec.
											 
		driver.findElement(By.id(&#8220;loginUsername&#8221;)).sendKeys(&#8220;xxxxxx@abc.com&#8221;);			 driver.findElement(By.name(&#8220;password&#8221;)).sendKeys(&#8220;xxxxxxx&#8221;); 
		driver.findElement(By.xpath(&#8220;//button[text()=&#8217;SIGN IN&#8217;]&#8221;)).click();
											
		String actualURL = &#8220;https://app.testsigma.com/home&#8221;;
		String expectedURL = driver.getCurrentUrl(); // It will fetch the current URL
		Assert.assertEquals(expectedURL, actualURL); 
		driver.close(); // It will close the current browser.
	}
}
</styled-code>



<h2 id="alternatives-to-thread-sleep">Alternatives to Thread.sleep().</h2>



<ol><li>Implicit waits: Implicit waits are used to tell Selenium to wait for a certain amount of time before throwing a &#8220;NoSuchElementException&#8221;. Implicit waits are set once and will be in effect for the entire duration of your test script.</li></ol>



Syntax:



<styled-code>
driver.manage().timeouts().implicitlyWait(10, TimeUnit.SECONDS);
</styled-code>



This code will set the implicit wait time to 10 seconds. If the element is not found within 10 seconds, a&nbsp; &nbsp; &#8220;NoSuchElementException&#8221; will be thrown.



 <ol start="2"><li>Explicit waits: Explicit waits are used to tell Selenium to wait for a certain condition to occur before moving on to the next step in your script. You can specify the maximum amount of time to wait, and the condition that must be met.</li></ol>



Syntax:



<styled-code>
WebDriverWait wait = new WebDriverWait(driver, 10);
WebElement element = wait.until(ExpectedConditions.elementToBeClickable(By.id(&#8220;someid&#8221;)));
</styled-code>



This code will wait up to 10 seconds for the element with the ID &#8220;someid&#8221; to be clickable. Once the element is clickable, it will be returned and you can interact with it.



 <ol start="3"><li>Fluent waits: Fluent waits are similar to explicit waits, but they allow you to chain together multiple conditions that must be met before moving on to the next step in your script.</li></ol>



Syntax:



<styled-code>
Wait<WebDriver> wait = new FluentWait<WebDriver>(driver)
 .withTimeout(Duration.ofSeconds(10))
 .pollingEvery(Duration.ofSeconds(1))
 .ignoring(NoSuchElementException.class);

WebElement element = wait.until(new Function<WebDriver, WebElement>() {
 public WebElement apply(WebDriver driver) {
 return driver.findElement(By.id(&#8220;someid&#8221;));
 }
});
</styled-code>



 <h2 id="limitation-of-thread-sleep">Limitation of Thread.sleep().</h2>



There are several limitations of using Thread.sleep() in your code:



<ul><li>Fixed wait time: When you use Thread.sleep(), you are specifying a fixed wait time, which means your code will wait for that exact amount of time before moving on to the next step, regardless of whether the operation it is waiting for has actually finished. This can cause your code to waste time waiting for something that has already been completed, or to move on before an operation has finished.</li> <li>Inaccurate timing: The Thread.sleep() method can be inaccurate, as the time it waits can be affected by external factors such as the performance of the machine running the code or other processes that are running at the same time.</li> <li>Hard to maintain: When you use Thread.sleep(), it can be difficult to maintain your code over time, as you may need to adjust the wait times based on changes to your application or system performance. This can make your code harder to read and understand.</li> <li>Potential for race conditions: Using Thread.sleep() can also create potential race conditions in your code, where one thread is waiting for a certain amount of time while another thread is attempting to perform an operation that the first thread is waiting for. This can cause unexpected behavior and bugs in your code.</li></ul>



<h2 id="conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



Waits play a significant role in<a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> test automation</a>. The Cost of maintenance becomes a challenge without using correct waiting techniques. In the above article, we have advantages and disadvantages for Thread.sleep().



Thread.sleep() has its own limitation. Waits like implicit and explicit waits are more precise and maintainable than Thread.sleep(), as they allow you to specify the maximum amount of time to wait, and the condition that must be met.



Waits like implicit and explicit waits are more precise and maintainable than Thread.sleep(), as they allow you to specify the maximum amount of time to wait, and the condition that must be met



<h3 id="a-new-approach-to-test-automation">A new approach to Test Automation</h3>



While Selenium is an open source and free tool for automating your cross browser tests, it also requires coding expertise. There might be times when you need a tool that would let you do all you do in Selenium, without the need of any coding experience. At such times you can use Testsigma, a no-code test automation tool that is open source too. With Testsigma, You can automate your tests for web, mobile, APIs and desktops from the same place. Not only that, you can start <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/what-types-of-test-cases-should-be-automated-for-efficient-cross-browser-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">automating your test cases</a> with Testsigma, from day 1.



<button class="btn bg-primary cta-btn" style="display: block;
 margin: auto;"><a href="https://github.com/testsigmahq/testsigma" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color:#fff">Get Testsigma Open Source Here</a></button>



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



<h3 id="what-is-the-alternative-for-thread-sleep-in-selenium">What is the alternative for thread sleep in Selenium?</h3>



In Selenium, there are several alternatives to using Thread.sleep() to pause the execution of your test script for a specific amount of time:



<ol><li>Implicit Wait</li><li>Explicit Wait</li><li>Fluent Wait.</li></ol>

Role of Thread.sleep() in Selenium Webdriver

Role of Thread.sleep() in Selenium

API Testing Service: Is Outsourcing the Best Choice for API Testing?

According to recent studies, more than 86% of businesses worldwide now rely on software testing to ensure the quality and reliability of their applications. When a tester begins their testing journey, the first thing they usually learn is how to document test cases. And when they learn test automation, they convert those test cases to test scripts. This blog will take you on a journey to understand the difference between test cases vs test scripts.



<ul><li>A test case refers to a set of conditions or actions designed to verify a particular application functionality under test.</li> <li>A test script is an automated computer program that performs the same steps as a test case but via a tool.</li></ul>



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#What_is_a_Test_case">1 What is a Test case?</a></li><li><a href="#Why_do_we_need_a_Test_case">2 Why do we need a Test case?</a><ul><li><a href="#How_could_you_write_a_test_case">2.1 How could you write a test case?</a></li><li><a href="#Test_case_example">2.2 Test case example</a></li><li><a href="#Sample_Test_case_Template">2.3 Sample Test case Template</a></li><li><a href="#What_is_a_Test_Script">2.4 What is a Test Script?</a></li><li><a href="#How_to_Write_a_Test_Script">2.5 How to Write a Test Script?</a></li><li><a href="#Template_for_a_Test_script">2.6 Template for a Test script</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#Summary-Difference_Between_Test_Case_vs_Test_Script">3 Summary-Difference Between Test Case vs Test Script</a></li><li><a href="#Wrapping_up">4 Wrapping up</a></li><li><a href="#Frequently_Asked_Questions">5 Frequently Asked Questions</a><ul><li><a href="#What_are_test_case_management_tools">5.1 What are test case management tools?</a></li><li><a href="#What_makes_a_good_test_script">5.2 What makes a good test script?</a></li></ul></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-what-is-a-test-case">What is a Test case?</h2>



A test case refers to testers&#8217; instructions to validate a particular functionality or software application feature. It is a detailed description of a test&#8217;s inputs, operating conditions, and expected outputs. These test cases



<ul><li>Find software errors, bugs, or problems, which developers can fix.</li> <li>They help ensure the quality and reliability of the software by providing a systematic approach to testing.</li> <li>It is necessary to ensure that each test case is clear and concise, referencing the relevant requirement or features of the software.</li> <li>Proper documentation and management of all test cases are necessary for successful testing and quality product delivery.</li></ul>



<h2 id="h-why-do-we-need-a-test-case">Why do we need a Test case?</h2>



Test cases are essential to identify potential defects and bugs in software applications before they become significant problems. Therefore, creating well-written, comprehensive test cases is critical for effective software development and <a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/software-quality-assurance-plan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quality assurance</a>.



<h3 id="h-how-could-you-write-a-test-case">How could you write a test case?</h3>



Here is a test case example that verifies that a user can register successfully on a registration page-



<ol><li>Go to the registration page</li><li>Enter a valid name, email address, and password</li><li>Select &#8220;Create Account&#8221;</li><li>Ensure the user gets taken to the home page after logging in.</li><li>Verify that the user is logged in</li><li>Log out of the account</li><li>Verify that the user is logged out</li><li>Try to log in using the credentials created in step 2</li><li>Verify that the user can log in successfully</li></ol>



<h3 id="h-test-case-example">Test case example</h3>



<ol><li>Navigate to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.google.com/</a></li><li>Enter&nbsp;books&nbsp;in the&nbsp;inputText&nbsp;field</li><li>Press Enter/Return Key</li><li>Verify that the current page displays textbooks</li></ol>



<h3 id="h-sample-test-case-template">Sample Test case Template</h3>



Let&#8217;s discuss a sample test case to test whether an existing user can log in to the website successfully. Test Objective: Confirm you can log into the website using the correct information.Pre-requisites: A valid username and password. 



Steps:



<ol><li>Launch the application under test.</li><li>Enter the valid username and password.</li><li>Click the &#8216;Login&#8217; button.</li><li>Ensure that the user logs in successfully.</li></ol>



Expected Result: The user should be successfully logged in to the website.



<h3 id="h-what-is-a-test-script">What is a Test Script?</h3>



When you take the steps from a test case and automate them via some tool, usually a test automation tool, it becomes a test script.



<h3 id="h-how-to-write-a-test-script">How to Write a Test Script?</h3>



The tool for test automation supports the language in which the test script is written. Let&#8217;s understand the steps involved in the creation of a test script.



<ol><li>Requirements: Before writing a test script, it is essential to understand the purpose of the test and the expected outcome. Get conditions and read user reports and manuals.</li> <li>Identify Test Cases: With the requirements in hand, identify the test cases that need to be automated.</li> <li>Identify Test Data: Identify the data needed to execute the test cases to ensure the test cases are comprehensive.</li> <li>Write the Script: Develop the script based on the test cases and test data determined.</li> <li>Test the Script: Execute the script and ensure it runs</li> <li>Document the Results: Document the results of the test script execution and any bugs encountered.</li> <li>Debug the Script: Debug the script and make necessary changes if any bugs are encountered.</li> <li>Retest the Script: Retest the debugged item to ensure it performs as expected.</li> <li>Document the Final Version: Once the script is working as expected, document the final version of the script.</li> <li>Archive the Script: Finally, archive the script for future use.</li></ol>



<h3 id="h-template-for-a-test-script">Template for a Test script</h3>



Below we discuss a test script template:



Test Name/ Title: Give a Title of the test case



Summary of Test: Define the summary or test purpose in brief



Date of the test created: Creation of Test Date(autogenerated in most cases)



Designed by: Include Tester&#8217;s Name



Reviewed by: Include Reviewer&#8217;s Name



Prerequisites: The prerequisites for executing this test case include all the test cases that should be executed before the execution of this particular test.



Test Steps: As per execution, please go ahead and detail all the test steps and write them in order. While writing test steps, please make sure that you provide as much detail as possible.



Executed by: Once the test is executed, this will mention the person who initiated the test execution. 



Date of the Execution: The date on which the test was executed. 



Expected Results: Mention the expected result, including the error or message that should appear on the screen.



Test Status (Fail/Pass): IF all the steps pass, then the status will be &#8220;Pass&#8221; if one of the steps fails to execute as expected, the status will appear as &#8220;Fail.&#8221;



Image showing a test script example in <a href="https://staging.testsigma.com/ui/dashboard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Testsigma</a>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://images.storychief.com/account_36412/image_aa0a53d923147684edac39c0d6a8051c_2000.png" alt="Test script example in Testsigma" width="600" height="400"/><figcaption>Test cases and Test steps</figcaption></figure></div>



Testsigma is a no-code test automation tool, and thus, as you can see in the image above, you can automate your tests in plain English without learning any programming language. Testsigma lets you automate your tests for web, mobile, APIs, and desktop from the same place.



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 <h2 id="h-summary-difference-between-test-case-and-test-script">Summary-Difference Between Test Case vs Test Script</h2>



The difference between the Test case and Test Script is summarized in the table below:



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table style="border: 1px solid black;border-collapse: collapse"><tbody><tr><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Test Case</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Test Script</td></tr><tr style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse"><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Test cases are written before the actual testing is done to define the scope of the testing.</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Test scripts are usually written after certain rounds of testing are done and we know that the functionality being automated works.</td></tr><tr style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse"><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Test cases are written for manual test execution.&nbsp;</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Test scripts are written for automated test execution.</td></tr><tr style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse"><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Test cases are written in English or the language of the tester.</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Test scripts are written in the language supported by the tool being used for automated test execution.</td></tr><tr style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse"><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Test cases document the steps to be followed during testing.</td><td style="border: 1px solid black;padding: 10px;border-collapse: collapse">Test scripts automate the test steps for test execution.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



 <h2 id="h-wrapping-up">Wrapping up</h2>



We now understand the part test cases and test scripts play in the different testing processes. Test cases are the first step in documenting the testing process for a function or a feature. Each test case tests one aspect of the software. On the other hand, test scripts automate the test steps for a test case.



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



<h3 id="h-what-are-test-case-management-tools">What are test case management tools?</h3>



Test case management tools are the applications that help teams manage their test cases better. These tools help us design, run, and report on the results of test cases.



<h3 id="h-what-makes-a-good-test-script">What makes a good test script?</h3>



A good test script tests the specific details that need to be tested for passing a test case. In case a test script fails during test case execution, it should report easily understandable errors to help with debugging.

Exploring Test Case vs Test Script: What's the Difference?

Exploring Test Case vs Test Script: What’s the Difference?

As a software tester, I have been fortunate enough to work on a variety of projects, from web services to SDK (Software Development Kit) APIs, and in different industries. Throughout my journey, I have learned some valuable lessons, mostly from my own failures. In this article, I would like to share those lessons with you. Whether you are an experienced tester or just starting out, I hope these lessons will help you to be more successful and efficient in your role.



<div id="toc_container" class="no_bullets">Table Of Contents<ul class="toc_list"><li><a href="#Mistake_1_Neglecting_UX_Over_Focus_on_Functionality">1 Mistake 1: Neglecting UX: Over Focus on Functionality.</a></li><li><a href="#Mistake_2_Chasing_Trends_Hunt_Latest_Tools">2 Mistake 2: Chasing Trends: Hunt Latest Tools</a></li><li><a href="#Mistake_3_No_Pairing_Collaboration_with_Dev_Team">3 Mistake 3: No Pairing &amp; Collaboration with Dev Team</a></li><li><a href="#Conclusion">4 Conclusion</a></li></ul></div>
<h2 id="h-mistake-1-neglecting-ux-over-focus-on-functionality">Mistake 1: Neglecting UX: Over Focus on Functionality.</h2> 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/mistake-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-26845" width="600" height="400"/></figure></div>



When testing software, it is easy to get caught up in checking that the functionality works as expected. However, testing for usability and user experience is equally important. The software may be functioning correctly, but if it is difficult to use or understand, it will not be adopted by developers and would not be met with a positive response from the customers. Without good usability, you will always risk dealing with people’s problems more instead of technical problems.&nbsp;



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“No matter what they tell you, it&#8217;s always a people problem.” <cite>– Jerry Weinberg</cite></blockquote>



Lesson 1: Don&#8217;t Neglect the UX: Balance Functionality Testing with Usability Testing



<ul><li>Implement steps to improve the usability of software, such as clear and easy-to-follow documentation, helpful error messages, unique error codes, avoiding breaking changes, etc.</li> <li>Increase the selling potential of software through good usability testing.</li> <li>Focus on the usability feedback about the product from the sales and customer relationship team.</li></ul>



To ensure that your software is usable, ensure the following:



<ul><li>The documentation is clear and easy to follow.</li> <li>The error messages are helpful.</li> <li>There are unique error codes for unique errors.</li> <li>Make sure the documentation does not assume the user to be knowledgeable of the technical jargon.</li> <li>All jargon and abbreviations are documented.</li> <li>Avoid any changes that break the existing functionality without repeated prior notifications in release notes. Ex: It’s very important to mark APIs deprecated well in advance instead of surprising them with breaking changes.</li></ul>



Good usability testing of your software can help you to increase your software’s selling ability. Here is a checklist that I have made to cover important usability checkpoints for your usability testing: <a href="https://testingtitbits.com/usabilitychecklist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Usability Heuristic Checklist &#8211; Testing Titbits &#8211; Rahul Parwal</a>



Also, Checkout these articles on Testsigma blog to learn more about UX Lessons:&nbsp;



<ul><li><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/ux-testing-ux-lessons-learned-from-my-real-life-experiences-part-1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UX &amp; Testing: UX Lessons Learned From My Real-Life Experiences &#8211; Part 1 (testsigma.com)</a></li> <li><a href="https://testsigma.com/blog/ux-lessons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UX Lessons Learned From My Real-Life Experiences Part &#8211; 2 (testsigma.com)</a></li></ul>



<h2 id="mistake-2-chasing-trends-hunt-latest-tools">Mistake 2: Chasing Trends: Hunt Latest Tools</h2> 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/mistake2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-26847" width="600" height="400"/></figure></div>



In one of my initial projects, we made the mistake of using a popular testing tool without fully considering its suitability for our specific use case and problem statement. This turned out to be a costly mistake in the long run, as the tool did not provide the features and capabilities we needed to effectively test and validate our software. We delayed switching to another suitable tool due to sunk cost fallacy. 



Sunk cost fallacy is the phenomenon whereby a person is reluctant to abandon a strategy or course of action because they have invested heavily in it, even when it is clear that abandonment would be more beneficial. We eventually had to switch to a different tool that was better suited to our use case and problem statement, but the cost of this transition was significant.&nbsp;



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">&#8220;The sunk cost fallacy is throwing good money after bad.&#8221; <cite>&#8211; Unknown</cite></blockquote>



Lesson 2: Solve the Problem, don’t just chase Trends: Choose Tools Wisely



While it&#8217;s understandable to be drawn to a popular tool, it&#8217;s crucial to take the time to perform a detailed tool analysis for your current and future needs before making a decision. Having learned this lesson, these are the changes that I have done to my tooling approach:



<ul><li>Started a practice of conducting tool analysis before making a decision, taking into consideration parameters such as supported protocols, testability, documentation and community, capabilities, adaptability, etc.</li> <li>Shifted focus from finding a problem for a trending solution (or tool) to solving the real problem.</li> <li>Enabled deep testing by using customizable and flexible tools.</li></ul>



When selecting a tool, consider the following parameters:



<ul><li>Supported protocols and standards.</li> <li>The tool should enable your testability.</li> <li>The tool has good documentation and a supportive community.</li> <li>Capabilities of the tool, how well it integrates with your existing systems, and how easily it can be customized to fit your needs.</li> <li>Can it be adapted to accommodate growth, new technologies, and changes in the market.</li></ul>



Testsigma is one such platform that checks all these parameters.



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The list of possible factors can be very exhaustive. To ensure that I cover all important points, here is a checklist that I personally use when evaluating new tools: <a href="https://www.developsense.com/resource/RapidSoftwareTestingHeuristicsForEvaluatingTestingTools.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rapid Software Testing Heuristics for Evaluating Testing Tools</a>.



<h2 id="mistake-3-no-pairing-collaboration-with-dev-team">Mistake 3: No Pairing &amp; Collaboration with Dev Team</h2> 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" src="https://testsigma.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/mistake3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-26853" width="600" height="400"/></figure></div>



During the early stages of my career, I did not collaborate or interact much with my developers. I believed that my role as a tester might get biased if I talk with them or listen to their opinions on testing. However, this is a double edge sword.&nbsp;



Lesson 3: Unleash Pairing: Collaborate to Innovate



Over the years, I have realized that collaboration is the key when it comes to innovation and one of the most effective ways to do this is through pairing. By pairing with your developers, you can share technical skills, and testing knowledge, and help identify potential risks and challenges early on. This would also contribute towards preventing bugs instead of fixing them.&nbsp;



One can also ask questions to better plan their testing:



<ul><li>What have you tested already?</li><li>What testing is remaining?</li><li>How are you mocking the API for your development?</li><li>Do you have some tools that I can also use?</li><li>Can we add this feature to enable testability?</li><li>What are you worried about?</li><li>Do you want me to deep test certain areas?</li></ul>



By doing so, you tap into the tacit knowledge of your development team and upskill your testing game. Transferring great inter-disciplinary knowledge is also a key aspect of pairing, as it helps bridge the gap between different departments and enhances cross-functional collaboration.



When working with developers, I have found the below practices to be useful in increasing collaboration:



<ul><li>Share your testing plans and results with the developers.</li><li>Ask for their input on the testing process.</li><li>Debrief your test strategy and test notes.</li><li>Talk about testability and how developers can enable you to test better.</li><li>Documenting your <a href="https://testsigma.com/automated-testing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">test automation</a> solutions to enable test collaboration.</li></ul>



By collaborating well with your developers, you can help to ensure that the testing of software is done with good quality and meets the expectations of your stakeholders.



<h2 id="conclusion">Conclusion</h2>



These are just a few of the lessons that I have learnt from my journey as a software tester. I hope that these lessons will help you to be more successful in your role as a software tester. Whether you are just starting out or are an experienced tester, never stop learning and improving your skills. 



The world of technology is changing constantly and it’s important to change, upskill and adapt to the times today. It is also important to treat every failure as a learning opportunity and use it as a building block towards becoming a better testing craftsperson.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">Successful people do what unsuccessful people are not willing to do. Don&#8217;t wish it were easier; wish you were better. <cite>&#8211; Jim Rohn</cite></blockquote>


For all our visual readers, I have summarized this entire article in this <a href="https://www.xmind.net/m/ADviJG" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mind map</a>.


Embed URL:<iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.xmind.app/embed/ADviJG/" width="750" height="422" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe>



Until next time, Happy Testing, Happy Learning!

My Career in Software Testing A Reflection on 3 Mistakes and What They Taught Me