There’s no doubt that the software development industry has a need for faster and more efficient testing processes that can keep up with the DevOps and Agile-driven methodologies. The problem here is that most of the test automation logic initiatives aren’t up to the task, prompting organizations to rely on manual testing methods most of the time.
As a result of this, quality assurance and testing become a major hindrance in the release process.
For test automation to work, it requires a framework that can continuously monitor and maintain the test automation scripts from start to finish. Test script maintenance has been found to be a major challenge, often resulting in the failure of test automations.
With the advent of scriptless test automation, test scripts have become a thing of the past. Developers have found that this approach is a potential alternative to the traditional way of doing test automation.
It is an approach wherein users can automate test cases even if they lack in-depth knowledge of the code. Automated tests are generated through this process by validating the test automation logic.
Users barely have to write a piece of code to automate a test case. They only need to indicate which step needs to be carried out next instead of writing the code themselves.
However, it doesn’t mean that coding or test scripts are completely eliminated. It rather simplifies the entire process to make it easier for humans to perform.
When using a scriptless automation test framework, testers will have less interaction with the code, while the amount of code needed to run the test cases is automatically generated at the backend.
The most common method of applying scriptless testing is via the record and playback technique. This process involves recording the tests on-screen and then replaying them back as an automated test.
In record and playback, the test steps are produced at the same time the tester prompts the online application. Further, a tester can then run these test procedures using a browser, if they want to.
While recording a workflow, the scriptless automation tool automatically identifies each step, and saves the object locators for each element and links an action to it. When the recorded steps are executed, the linked action is performed on the saved object locator.
Moreover, in most of the latest scriptless automation tools a recorded test can be used as a reusable workflow, and can be utilized in other tests to decrease test length and easy maintenance.
A scriptless test automation framework can be easier to understand if we know the important aspects that make it work. There are at least three vital parts in it.
These are:
As you can see, it has some major differences compared to the traditional way of approaching tests. What are some of these benefits?
Let’s take a look at the main benefits that it has to offer:
It can significantly reduce the time needed to automate the tests. It allows even oversized test suites to go through automation immediately and easily.
Thanks to its scriptless approach, this type of test automation is faster and results in reducing the time to market for products that use it. Delivery to customers is also quicker with scriptless test automation.
Since far less time is spent on creating the automation, the testing team has more time on their hands to do other important things. The group will be able to identify issues and glitches better even at the early stages of the software development life cycle compared to using a traditional approach.
It can significantly reduce the cost of companies, especially since there will be less need to bring in programming resources or experts to train testers. This is because scriptless tools are designed to be straightforward and easy to use. Even manual testers can employ these systems to create scripts using actions and objects.
Test automation and quality assurance providers will find it more efficient to use scriptless automation as it eliminates the need to code using specific tools. This means that firms won’t have to rely on the standard automation testing tools that are prevalent nowadays.
Additionally, it results in an easier way to maintain all of the test suites. Many considered it a hassle-free way of applying automated testing in the development lifecycle.
With scriptless test automation, performing changes in test suites becomes less complicated leading to improved agility and response time. This makes it highly reliable compared to other forms of testing.
When you have an approach that can integrate a smarter framework design right from the start, it’s possible for teams to get rid of additional costs that can come up from augmented script maintenance efforts. It doesn’t have much use for scripts, essentially avoiding much of the technical obligations that come with them.
When it is used, firms won’t have to deal with the setbacks of not knowing technical aspects such as integration and coding. Testers simply have to write and run their test cases while acquiring the results they need.
Adding scriptless test automation to one’s arsenal means that testing teams don’t need to learn any specific coding language that can be limited to just a few systems. Basic english and an understanding of software testing logic are often the main requirements with a scriptless framework.
Teams don’t need to write a single line of code manually when going through test cases.
It doesn’t experience problems related to human errors, unlike the traditional way of applying tests. Miscalculations in manual testing can easily lead to left-out issues and bugs that can carry over to the final output.
With scriptless automation, testing software can be extremely accurate, minimizing the chances of error from happening.
Here are some of the main advantages that it has over the standard script-based testing approach:
Script-based Testing | Scriptless Testing |
---|---|
Testers need to be experts in automation
|
Testers only need to be knowledgeable about the application and business
|
Reusing test cases isn’t possible in different circumstances
|
Is far more flexible in terms of reusing test cases even in different scenarios
|
Access to dashboards, reporting, and test scheduling may not be possible
|
Access to dashboards, reporting, and test scheduling is generally possible
|
Building custom third-party integrations are necessary
|
Often has third-party integrations included already
|
More time and effort are needed to set up the testing infrastructure
|
Minimal time and effort are needed to get started
|
The following are some of the best scriptless automation tools available today:
Other tools Functionize, Katalon Studio, and Mabl can also be used.
Scriptless test automation is one of the latest trends in testing automation that offers numerous advantages to software development teams. Companies that incorporate this approach in their development lifecycle can experience numerous benefits such as faster time-to-market, accurate results, and eliminating technical obligations that come with script-based testing.
However, applying scriptless testing isn’t as easy as it sounds. It still requires expertise and experience that can only be found in a professional quality assurance testing team.
At QASource, we can provide you with experts who can carry out your scriptless testing automation requirements. Our team of specialists has many years of experience conducting quality assurance testing for various needs.
If you’re interested in our QA testing solutions, contact us today to request a free quote.