What Are Automation Testing Tools? 9 Types & Examples
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It’s a simple question with a simple answer: What are automation testing tools?
Test automation is the process of testing various parts of new software with little to no human involvement. Essentially, it makes sure every aspect of a software design works without a human sitting in front of a computer devoting hours to manual tests.
According to the 2020 State of Testing survey, 96.5% of recipients listed functional testing automation and scripting as an important or very important QA skill to have for success in the industry.
Now, let’s turn our attention to automation testing tools, including a closer look at what they do, the benefits, and more.
Here’s what I’ll cover:
- What Are Automation Testing Tools?
- Benefits of Automation Testing
- 9 Types of Automation Testing
- Test Automation Frameworks
- 6 Top Automation Testing Tools
What Are Automation Testing Tools?
An automation testing tool is a piece of software that lets you define testing tasks and then takes over to perform the tests for you. Ideally, this happens with minimal human oversight.
There is a wide range of automation testing tools to test across multiple platforms, including smartphones, mobile devices, and desktop computers. Through testing automation, performance testing can run without human intervention, which provides the ability to test code 24 hours a day if needed, speeding up the test execution process.
But that’s not the only thing automation testing tools can do. Let’s take a closer look at why using an automated testing tool is often the best approach.
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Benefits Of Automation Testing
Automated testing has many benefits over manual testing, but some cases really exemplify its worth, including:
- Multilingual sites
- Test cases that are repeated
- Tedious cases
- Cases that are broad and expansive
While these tests can be performed by a human, they are quite complex and are therefore prone to errors. For example, someone testing a site in a foreign language is bound to make mistakes, especially if the site is sizable. In instances like this, it's easy to see why automation testing is the right option.
That said, there are some instances where manual testing is better, including:
- New test cases that have not yet been executed manually
- Test cases where the criteria are always changing
- Test cases that are not routine
In these instances, you can see why it would be beneficial to have a pair of human eyes on the testing. For example, the first time a test code is written, it should be run manually to ensure that it delivers the expected result. Once this is verified, it can then be used as an automated solution.
In the cases where automation testing is appropriate, you’ll see some specific benefits, (perhaps even more so if you are already using AI in test automation) including:
- Speed
- Wider test coverage
- Consistency
- Cost savings
- Frequent and thorough testing
- Faster time to market
Now that you know when to use an automation tool and the reasons why you should, let’s look at how to choose the right tool for your needs.
9 Types Of Automation Testing
Generally, there are two types of testing. Functional testing tests the real-world applications of the software while non-functional testing tests different software requirements, like security and data storage.
Many specific types of testing fit into these categories, and some of them may overlap. The types of automated testing include:
1. Unit Testing
Unit testing is testing small, individual components of the software. It’s the first stage of testing, and while it’s usually done manually, it can be automated, so I wanted to include it here.
2. Smoke Tests
A smoke test is a functional test that determines whether or not a build is stable. It verifies the function of essential features to make sure the program can endure further testing. The name comes from the idea that this test prevents the program from catching fire if it’s not ready for additional testing.
3. Integration Tests
These functional tests make sure that all of the individual pieces of software test are well when operating as a whole.
4. Regression Tests
Regression tests are both functional and non-functional, ensuring that no part of the software has regressed after changes are made.
5. API Testing
The application programming interface or API acts as the conduit between all the other systems that your software needs to function. It’s usually tested after software development to make sure that everything is working together as it should.
6. Security Tests
Security tests are also functional and non-functional. Their purpose is to check everything for security weaknesses that can be exploited.
7. Performance Tests
Non-functional performance tests evaluate stability and responsiveness. They ensure that the software can handle stress and deliver a better and more reliable user experience.
8. Acceptance Tests
Acceptance tests are functional tests that try to determine how end-users will respond to the final product. This test must be passed successfully before the product can be released to end-users.
9. UI Tests
User interface tests are one of the last tests in the process. This test is designed to accurately replicate a typical user experience. It ensures that the end product that users interact with works as it should.
Test Automation Frameworks
Once you know what kind of automated testing you need to do, the next step is to choose a framework to organize the testing process.
The biggest benefit of doing this is that it standardizes the testing process, which provides a structure so that everyone applying automated testing to the project is on the same page.
Some of the most common types of test automation framework are:
Linear Framework
This type is sometimes called Record and Playback. Testers create a test script for each test case. It’s a very basic approach that’s more suited to a small team that doesn’t have a lot of experience with test automation.
Modular Based Framework
This framework organizes each test case into small, independent modules. Each one has a different scenario, but they are all handled by the framework’s single master script. This approach is very efficient, but a lot of planning is required, and it’s best used by testers who have experience with automation testing tools.
Library Architecture Framework
Library Architecture Framework is an expansion of the modular-based approach, with a few differences. In a Library Architecture Framework, tasks are grouped within the test script according to common objectives.
These functions are then stored in a library so they can be quickly accessed when needed. This framework is very flexible, but creating the scripts takes time, so experience in automated testing is beneficial.
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Top 7 Automation Testing Tools
60% of North American project teams report that they struggle to apply test automation at appropriate levels for Agile development. Employing the appropriate automation testing tool is one way to make sure your team doesn’t hit this roadblock.
There are countless automation testing tools out there. Which one is right for you depends on what you’re working on and what you need the tool to do. Here are a few of my favorites:
New Relic
Best for simulating user interactions through synthetic monitoring
New Relic is an observability platform that provides developers, IT operations, and software teams with a comprehensive suite of tools for monitoring, diagnosing, and optimizing the performance of their applications and infrastructure. Designed to support modern, cloud-native environments, New Relic offers deep insights into every aspect of your tech stack, from frontend user experiences to backend server health.
Why I Picked New Relic: New Relic is unique in that it offers automation testing through its synthetic monitoring suite, which allows you to create automated tests that simulate real user interactions across your web applications. These synthetic tests can be configured to run at regular intervals, providing continuous feedback on application performance and availability. New Relic’s synthetic monitoring supports both no-code and scripted testing, enabling teams to validate user journeys and API endpoints and even perform load testing to ensure applications can handle high traffic.
New Relic Standout Features and Integrations
Features include distributed tracing, real user monitoring (RUM), Kubernetes cluster monitoring, log management, custom dashboards, anomaly detection, error tracking, and application security testing.
Integrations include AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, Kubernetes, Docker, Jenkins, PagerDuty, Slack, Terraform, Atlassian Jira, GitHub, GitLab, and CircleCI.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Highly scalable platform
- Users can create customizable dashboards
- Real-time monitoring and analytics
Cons
- Initial setup process can be complex
- Can be expensive for small businesses
DeviQA
Best for providing flexibility and a personalized approach to software testing
DeviQA stands at the forefront of automation testing services, offering bespoke solutions that streamline and enhance the software development lifecycle. Specializing in automation testing, DeviQA leverages advanced tools and frameworks to design and implement robust testing strategies that significantly reduce testing time and increase efficiency. Their expertise spans across web, mobile, and API testing, ensuring comprehensive coverage and early detection of defects.
Why I Picked DeviQA: DeviQA excels as an automation testing solution by providing a highly efficient and scalable approach to quality assurance, which significantly accelerates the software development process. Their proficiency in creating custom automation frameworks and utilizing the latest technologies ensures that testing is both thorough and adaptable to any project requirement. DeviQA's automation testing services stand out for their ability to integrate seamlessly into continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, facilitating continuous testing and immediate feedback on issues.
DeviQA Standout Features and Integrations
Features include automated testing, manual testing, performance testing, api testing, mobile application testing, web application testing, security testing, compatibility testing, continuous integration/continuous deployment (ci/cd) integration, test case management, bug tracking, and quality assurance consulting.
Integrations include Selenium, Appium, Jenkins, JIRA, TestRail, Postman, Git, BrowserStack, Sauce Labs, and Docker.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Ability to tailor testing strategies to the specific needs of a project,
- Offers a wide range of testing services
- Brings deep expertise and extensive experience to the table
Cons
- May be time-intensive to onboard and customize for complex projects
- May be cost prohibitive for small biz or startups
Testlio
Best for global testing networks
Testlio is a software testing service that provides quality assurance and engineering solutions across various industries.
Why I Picked Testlio: I chose Testlio for automation testing services because it presents a comprehensive solution that integrates both automated and manual testing, which is crucial for thorough quality assurance. What makes Testlio different is its fused approach that combines access to top-quality testing talent with robust test automation capabilities. I believe Testlio is best for global testing networks due to its ability to provide tailored testing strategies across various industries, ensuring extensive device, language, and location coverage.
Testlio's platform integrates both automated and manual testing, allowing users to manage their testing efforts comprehensively, from initiation to closure. It connects users with a network of freelance testing professionals and integrates with DevOps tools for efficient workflows. Additionally, Testlio ensures extensive coverage for testing across devices, languages, locations, and payment methods, and provides access to a network of top-quality testers for QA, QE, and DX testing.
Testlio Standout Features and Integrations
Features include test management features including test plan and case creation, test scheduling and execution, burstable testing for flexible demand management, fused software testing combining human and machine efforts, and advanced reporting and analytics.
Integrations include Jira, Github, Selenium, Asana, monday, Azure DevOps, Pivotal Tracker, Linear, Shortcut, ClickUp, Trello, TestRAil, Xray, Jenkins, Circle CI, AWS, Headspin, BrowserStack, Slack, and others.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Advanced reporting and analytics tools
- Combination of manual and automated testing
- Access to a diverse pool of global testers
Cons
- Occasional communication and time zone challenges
- Crowdsourcing may result in inconsistent testing quality
QA Wolf
Best for automated end-to-end test coverage and unlimited parallel test runs
QA Wolf is a hybrid platform and automation testing company that provides you with automated end-to-end test coverage as a service.
Why I Picked QA Wolf: zero-effort automated QA, and as part of the service, provides a comprehensive test plan, automated test writing and maintenance, parallel test infrastructure, a team of QA experts and automation engineers, and zero-flake bug reports. They are also the only solution that guarantees to get you to 80% automated test coverage in 4 months or less.
QA Wolf also offers review sessions and a dedicated line of communication, so you are able to meet with the support team on a regular basis. Their service comes with parallel test run infrastructure whereby you can run your test suite as many times as you like without any additional cost.
QA Wolf Standout Features and Integrations
Features include a dedicated support team, automated test writing and maintenance, parallel test infrastructure, bug reporting and comprehensive test plan, and test cases.
Integrations include Jira, Linear, Github, and Circle CI.
QA Wolf offers customized pricing upon request and a free demo.
Pros and cons
Pros
- 24-hour triage and maintenance
- 90-day pilot Tests written in open-source Playwright (no vendor lock-in)
- Unlimited parallel test runs and testing infrastructure
Cons
- Heavy focus on automated testing only
- Do not currently test iOS or Android Native apps
MuukTest
Best for fast AI-powered test automation
MuukTest is a tool designed to streamline the software testing process through automation. It employs artificial intelligence to analyze and execute tests, aiming to boost both efficiency and accuracy in software development.
Why I Picked MuukTest: MuukTest excels in automating repetitive and time-consuming testing tasks, leveraging AI to detect flaws and ensure software reliability. Its strength lies in its ability to quickly adapt to changes in the application under test, reducing the manual effort required for test maintenance. By providing detailed insights and reports, it helps teams identify issues early, improving the quality of the software product.
MuukTest leverages artificial intelligence to automate the creation and maintenance of test scripts. This AI-driven approach not only speeds up the test development process but also significantly reduces the manual effort involved in updating tests when the application under test changes. This capability is particularly valuable in agile and fast-paced development environments where frequent updates are common.
MuukTest Standout Features and Integrations
Features include AI-driven test creation, no-code/low-code test environment, real-time analytics and insights, automated test maintenance, cross-platform compatibility, scalable test execution, detailed reporting, integration with popular CI/CD tools, user-friendly interface, and support for multiple testing frameworks.
Integrations are not listed publicly, but they do note that tests can be run across the development lifecycle in different environments, browsers and devices—from your CI/CD and DevOps tools or on an automatic schedule.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Real-time analytics and insights
- No-code/low-code approach
- AI-driven test creation
Cons
- Learning curve for advanced features
- Cost considerations for startups or smaller teams
QualityLogic
Best for functional, interoperability, performance, and mobile app testing
QualityLogic is a software testing and QA service company that offers a range of testing services, including functional, interoperability, performance, and mobile app testing.
Why I picked QualityLogic: The company's team of automation experts help guide you to develop a sensible approach to test automation. Their services include recommending tools and frameworks, as well as providing a dedicated QA team to get your testing automation off the ground.
Because their team works hand-in-hand with you to set up and execute your automation testing, they help you avoid common mistakes and pitfalls that can be costly and difficult to reverse. Working with the team will help you increase your testing velocity and improve your product quality.
QualityLogic Standout Features and Integrations
Features include testing services, accessibility services, industry-specific testing, a full-service QA testing team, tools, and training.
Integrations are not currently listed by the service provider.
Pricing and a free demo are available upon request.
TestMatick
Best for quick, detailed error reports
TestMatick is a provider of quality assurance and software testing services. They offer a comprehensive range of more than 20 types of QA services, covering various needs in testing across different industries
Why I Picked TestMatick: TestMatick’s automated test specialists utilize their expertise and various methodologies to select and automate tests, particularly focusing on those used for regression testing. This ensures that repetitive tasks are handled seamlessly, reducing the manual workload and increasing testing accuracy and efficiency. Their expertise spans various platforms and technologies, making their automation testing adaptable to different project requirements, whether it's for web applications, mobile apps, or complex enterprise systems.
Additionally, TestMatick offers a range of other services, from automated functional testing to performance and load testing, which helps in identifying and rectifying issues early in the development cycle. Their focus on providing detailed error reports and quick results also aid in maintaining the software quality and enhancing the overall user experience.
TestMatick Standout Features and Integrations
Features include usability testing, user interface testing, localization testing, multi-platform and cross-browser testing, technical writing services, game testing services, and web app testing.
Integrations include popular bug-tracking systems like JIRA and Redmine, continuous integration tools like Jenkins and TeamCity, and version control systems like Git and SVN.
Pros and cons
Pros
- TestMatick's services are adaptable to each individual needs
- Trained automation specialists on hand
- All QA services can be handled by TestMatick
Cons
- Initial onboarding phase delays the start of actual testing
- Some concerns about the scalable potential of services
Conclusion
QA is trending more toward automated testing so that teams can focus more resources on more nuanced and involved projects instead. With the help of automation testing tools, it’s possible to remove some—or all— of the grunt work associated with repetitive or expansive testing.
Don't forget, you can also outsource your testing to automation testing services through vendors like A1QA, TestGuru, and TestingXperts. Some companies find that this increases the quality of their tests and quickens time-to-market.
Looking for even more tools but you're not quite ready to make the investment? Here's our list of the 10 Best Free Test Management Tools For 2023.
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