Sitecore Automated Testing | What it is and How to Perform?

Sitecore Automated Testing involves using tools and scripts to evaluate the functionality, performance, and security of a Sitecore web application. It simplifies the testing process, ensuring faster and more efficient assessments of different parts of the site. 

Automated testing in Sitecore typically includes three types: unit testing, integration testing, and end-to-end testing. To perform Sitecore Automated Testing, developers create test scripts, utilize testing frameworks, and leverage tools that are compatible with Sitecore’s architecture. This approach improves the development workflow, speeds up release cycles, and reduces the risk of introducing errors. Conducting regular automated testing is essential for maintaining a strong and dependable Sitecore web presence.

As a tester, utilizing testing frameworks compatible with Sitecore allows you to automate routine tasks, such as unit and end-to-end testing. This not only expedites the testing process but also enhances accuracy, catching potential issues early on. Sitecore Automated Testing is tailored to the needs of testers, providing a systematic and efficient way to ensure a robust and error-free web presence. By incorporating this approach into your testing toolkit, you can streamline workflows, improve precision, and ultimately deliver a high-quality user experience.

What is Sitecore Testing?

Sitecore testing refers to the evaluation and validation of the functionality, performance, and security of web applications developed on the Sitecore content management system (CMS). Sitecore is a widely used platform for creating dynamic and personalized websites. Testing plays a crucial role in ensuring the reliability and efficiency of these digital properties.

Sitecore testing encompasses various types, including:

1. Functional Testing: This type of testing ensures that all features and functionalities of the Sitecore-based website work as intended. It involves testing content creation, navigation, forms, and other interactive elements.

Example – Imagine testing an online store made with Sitecore. Functional testing would involve making sure users can add items to their shopping cart and successfully complete a purchase.

2.  Performance Testing: Performance testing evaluates the speed, responsiveness, and overall performance of the website under different conditions. The aim is to ensure that it can handle different traffic levels without any degradation.

Example: Think of a news website on Sitecore. Performance testing ensures articles load quickly, searches work well, and the site doesn’t slow down even when a lot of people are reading news simultaneously.

3. Security Testing: Security testing is essential for identifying and addressing potential vulnerabilities in the Sitecore implementation. It aims to safeguard against security threats and unauthorized access.

Example: If a company’s Sitecore website has important information, security testing ensures it’s protected from things like hackers trying to steal data.

4. Regression Testing: Regression testing verifies that any new changes or updates to the Sitecore website do not negatively impact existing functionalities.

Example: If you change how the Sitecore website looks, regression testing ensures that things like menus and forms still operate as they should.

5. Automated Testing: This involves using automated tools and scripts to streamline the testing process. It helps save time and ensures consistent and repeatable results.

Example: With automated testing, you can create scripts to make the computer go through the website, click buttons, and check if everything is okay. It’s like having a robot helper.

Learn more about automated testing

By conducting thorough Sitecore testing, developers and testers can guarantee a smooth and reliable user experience. They can promptly identify and rectify any issues that may arise and maintain the overall health of the website.

What is Sitecore Automated Testing?

Sitecore Automated Testing is a systematic approach to evaluate and ensure the proper functionality, reliability, and security of web applications built on the Sitecore website or application. Rather than manually performing repetitive testing tasks, automated testing utilizes specialized tools and scripts to automate these tasks. Here’s a more detailed explanation:

Key Components:

Testing Tools:

• Testsigma: Testsigma is a cloud-based test automation platform that lets you automate your tests for web, mobile, desktop applications and APIs from the same place. It is a no-code tool so lets you create test scripts in simple English. It is also made with features that make test automation and execution easy and efficient thus making releases upto 8x faster.

Learn more about Testsigma

• Selenium: Selenium is widely used for web automation. It enables testers to interact with web elements, imitate user actions, and verify desired outcomes.
• Sitecore Testing Framework: This framework is specifically designed for Sitecore and offers dedicated tools and features to facilitate automated testing within the Sitecore ecosystem.

Test Scripts:

• Test scripts consist of a series of instructions written in programming languages such as C#, Java, or Python or in simple English in the case of Testsigma. These scripts define the steps the automated tool should follow, imitating user interactions with the Sitecore web application.

Read More: https://testsigma.com/automated-testing

How to do Automated Sitecore Testing?

Automated testing in Sitecore involves using tools and scripts to thoroughly assess the functionality, performance, and security of a Sitecore web application. Here’s a detailed guide with examples:

 1.     Choose Testing Tools: Select a suitable testing tool for Sitecore, such as TestSigma.com, which is commonly used for web automation and easy to use.

Try TestSigma for free

 2.    Set Up Your Development Environment: Setup the necessary tools and dependencies. To use TestSigma, simply log in and create a new project. Then, choose the Application type.

 3.     Identify Test Scenarios: Determine the critical scenarios that should be automated. For example, you can consider scenarios like logging in, submitting forms, navigating through pages, and verifying content.

 4.     Write Test Scripts: Create a test script in a language supported by your testing tool. Here’s a simplified example using TestSigma for a login scenario:

Read More: https://testsigma.com/automated-web-application-testing

5.    Execute Test Scripts Locally: Run your test script locally or on Test Sigma Lab to verify its proper interaction with the Sitecore application.

6.   Integrate with Continuous Integration (CI) Systems: Integrate your automated tests into CI systems like Jenkins or GitLab CI, allowing the tests to be automatically executed when there are code changes.

7.  Parameterization and Data-Driven Testing:Enhance your scripts to support parameterization for different test scenarios. Implement data-driven testing to test with various sets of data.

Read More: https://testsigma.com/ai-driven-test-automation

8.    Analyze Test Results: Review the test results to identify any failures or issues. Most testing frameworks generate reports that clearly indicate which tests passed or failed.

9.    Maintain and Update Test Scripts: Regularly update the scripts to accommodate any changes in the Sitecore application. This may involve modifying locators if the user interface (UI) changes.

By following these steps, you can establish a robust automated testing process for your Sitecore web application. Adjust the examples to suit your specific tools and frameworks. It’s always a good idea to refer to the official documentation of your chosen tools for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Automate your sitecore application, with Testsigma

How to do Manual Cross Browser Testing of Sitecore Websites?

Manual cross-browser testing for Sitecore websites involves verifying that the website functions correctly across different web browsers. To manually perform cross-browser testing of Sitecore websites, follow these steps:

1. Identify Target Browsers: Determine the browsers your audience commonly uses. Common choices include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, and Internet Explorer.

2. Set Up Test Environment: Install the browsers you plan to test on your testing machine. Ensure you have access to different versions of these browsers if needed.

3. Document Test Scenarios: List key functionalities and user interactions on your Sitecore website. For example:

• Navigate to the homepage.
• Log in using valid credentials.
• Submit a form.
• View a product page.

4. Execute Tests: Open your Sitecore website in each target browser and perform the predefined test scenarios. Observe the behavior, UI elements, and any issues that arise.

5. Test Responsiveness: Resize the browser window to check the website’s responsiveness. Ensure that the layout adjusts appropriately for different screen sizes, including mobile devices.

6. Verify Browser-Specific Features: Check for browser-specific features or limitations. For example, test the rendering of certain CSS styles or the functionality of JavaScript across browsers.

 7. Check Browser Console for Errors: Use browser developer tools to inspect the console for any errors or warnings. Address JavaScript issues that may impact the website’s performance.

8. Test Cross-Browser Compatibility: Ensure your Sitecore website maintains a consistent appearance and functionality across browsers. Pay attention to font rendering, spacing, and alignment.

9. Test Browser-Specific Functionality: If your Sitecore website relies on browser-specific functionalities or plugins, validate that they work as intended in each supported browser.

10. Document and Report Issues: Document any discrepancies, layout issues, or functional differences encountered during testing. Report these issues to the development team using a bug tracking system.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your Sitecore website functions properly and appears consistently across different browsers, improving the overall user experience for your audience.

Read More about Cross Browser Testing: https://testsigma.com/cross-browser-testing

How to Test Mobile Compatibility of Sitecore Websites on Emulators, Simulators, or Real Devices?

Testing mobile compatibility of your Sitecore website involves making sure it works well on various mobile devices like phones and tablets. You can use emulators, simulators, or real devices for this. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

1. Understand Target Devices: Identify the target devices you want to test your Sitecore website on. Consider popular mobile devices, such as iPhones, iPads, Android phones, and tablets. Take into account different screen sizes, resolutions, operating systems, and versions.

2. Emulators and Simulators: Install mobile emulators or simulators on your testing machine. Emulators mimic the behavior of real devices, while simulators replicate the appearance and functionality of devices within a software environment. Examples include Android Emulator (for Android) and Xcode Simulator (for iOS).

3. Real Devices: If possible, use real devices as they provide the most accurate representation of user experience. Connect the devices to your testing machine using USB connections or use cloud-based device testing platforms that allow remote access to various mobile devices.

4. Test Scenarios: Identify the critical functionalities and features of your Sitecore website that require mobile compatibility testing. This may involve checking responsive design, touch interactions, screen orientations, navigation, form inputs, media playback, and any other mobile-specific elements.

5. Emulator/Simulator Testing:

•  Launch the emulator or simulator corresponding to the selected device.
•  Open the browser within the emulator or simulator and navigate to your Sitecore website.
• Perform the identified test scenarios, paying attention to layout, responsiveness, touch interactions, visual elements, and overall functionality.
• Take note of any discrepancies, inconsistencies, or issues encountered during testing.

6. Real Device Testing:

• On the real devices, open the browser and enter the URL of your Sitecore website.
•  Execute the same test scenarios as performed on the emulators/simulators.
•  Note any differences in behavior, responsiveness, visual discrepancies, or any other issues observed.

7. Debugging and Issue Documentation: If you encounter any problems during testing, use browser developer tools or debugging tools provided by the emulators and simulators to identify the root cause of the issues. Capture screenshots or record videos of any bugs found to document them accurately. Include information about the device, operating system, and browser version.

8. Retesting and Regression Testing: Revisit and retest any issues that were resolved to ensure they are fixed and do not create new problems in the website’s mobile compatibility. Additionally, perform regression testing to verify that changes made to fix one issue did not introduce any new compatibility issues.

9. Report and Prioritize Issues: Compile all the issues encountered during testing, including their status (resolved, pending, or known limitations). Create a detailed report indicating the severity of each issue, along with steps to reproduce them. Share this information with your development team and stakeholders. 

By following these steps, you can ensure that your Sitecore website is compatible and performs well on various mobile devices, providing a seamless user experience to your mobile audience.

Read More about Mobile Testing: https://testsigma.com/mobile-testing

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Sitecore Automated Testing is vital for ensuring the reliability and performance of web applications built on the Sitecore platform. By using tools like Selenium or the Sitecore Testing Framework, development teams can systematically verify important functions, improve code quality, and streamline the testing process. 

Automated testing in Sitecore not only speeds up the delivery of strong web solutions, but also helps detect and resolve issues early in the development process. This proactive approach contributes to a more stable and reliable Sitecore environment, ultimately resulting in better user experiences and increased confidence in deploying Sitecore-based projects. Regular updates and maintenance of automated test suites are crucial to adapt to changing requirements and ensure the ongoing effectiveness of the testing strategy.

Read More About Drupal CRM Testing

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is the importance of sitecore a-b testing?

Sitecore A/B testing is a feature within the Sitecore content management system that allows marketers to compare different versions of web content to determine which performs better in terms of user engagement and conversion rates.

The importance of Sitecore A/B testing lies in its ability to optimize user experiences, improve conversion rates, and inform data-driven decision-making. It enables marketers to experiment with various elements, such as headlines and calls-to-action, ensuring that the content resonates effectively with the target audience. 

By continuously refining and iterating based on A/B test results, Sitecore users can enhance marketing effectiveness, reduce risks in deployments, and contribute to improved SEO performance. 

Overall, Sitecore A/B testing is a valuable tool for achieving user-centric design and continuous improvement in the digital landscape.

2. How do you test a component in sitecore?

To test a component in Sitecore, navigate to the Sitecore Editor, identify the specific component you want to test (like an image or a form), and make necessary changes. Utilize the preview feature to visualize how your modifications will appear on the live website, ensuring proper display and functionality. Test the component across different screen sizes and browsers to guarantee a consistent user experience. Verify that any specific features or functionalities work as intended, and, if applicable, assess personalization rules and analytics integration. Document any issues, debug using Sitecore tools, and, once satisfied, save and publish your changes. Repeating this process in different environments ensures the component performs consistently. Above steps could also be done via a test automation tool like Testsigma.