Automating your testing can be a great way to increase the quality of your code, and catch bugs before they become production issues. Not all automation testing tools are the same. When deciding on which automation testing tool to use for your project there are many aspects to be aware of. It is not easy to find the right place to begin.
That’s why we’ve created this guide — so that you’ll know exactly what you need to look for in an automation testing tool, whether you’re just getting started or looking at options for an existing project.
Below are some questions that you need to consider when selecting an automation testing tool.
What programming languages is it compatible with?
People often choose one tool to build software over another based on the language that it supports. JavaScript (PHP), JavaScript (Python), Ruby,.NET and Java are some of the most commonly used languages to create software.
If you’re primarily targeting mobile, then Python is a great choice. You’ll need to take security seriously if you want to test your mobile apps in a web browser, so you’ll also want a Python framework like Titanium or Pylint.
If you’re targeting general-purpose web applications, then you can choose Java, JavaScript, or C#. TestProject provides a free automation platform which works both with Java and.NET projects.
How many test cases can the tool handle?
Every testing tool that is worth its salt must have many test cases. Test cases form the foundation of automation testing tools. Without test cases, you’re left with the uncertainty that the programmers had about how their code would behave, which makes them difficult to test and less reliable.
In addition to test cases, you’ll want to consider the runtime environment. Some test tools like to automate in a specific platform — for example, C/C++ or Java — but many automation tools don’t.
Environments should run on all platforms. You should also be able create tests instances that share the same parameters across platforms.
Are there any examples of the tests that you have done?
Many tools offer free trials. These free trial versions are used by many companies to help them decide what tool they want. Of course, we all know that there’s no such thing as a free lunch, but free trials can help you see whether the tool is really worth it.
You should be able to see, at a glance, what tests are run, and how they’re run. You’ll want to see results from actual users so that you can determine whether the tool is doing its job.
How is its reputation?
Look around in forums and other online communities to see what other people think of the company or its products.
Check to see if the company offers support for your tools and platforms. If you are targeting a web or mobile platform, it is important to look at the user experience.
Does this software integrate with other tools I’m already using?
This is an important aspect of the selection process. It is likely that your CI/CD process already exists and that automation testing tools you choose to integrate seamlessly with this system are important considerations.
This integration doesn’t just mean that the tool can process your application in the background while you continue to work on it. The tool should allow you to quickly create, edit, and then deploy test cases. You’ll also want to find a solution that can integrate with the services you already have.
The RESTful API is especially useful for integrating into a number of existing services, so you should check to see if the framework you’re considering offers that functionality.
Entrepreneurship Life’s first article was How to Choose the Best Automation Testing Tools.