Software Test Automation

In software testing there are two types: automation and manual testing. Manual testing requires a team of testers to examine a program for any bugs and its usability. Software test automation will use software to control a number of tests the software must be run through. Software test automation will create a number of outcomes that it wants. It will predict these outcomes through the use of the software. It will set up tests with preconditions, test controls, and reporting functions.

Most often software test automation is considered an upgrade from the manual process. If a manual process is already in place then software test automation can be added to the formalized testing process. Manual tests are good at finding defects in software, but it can be laborious and time consuming. Companies can spend a great deal to hire the proper manual testers. With software test automation, they will spend a bit to start, but then the program works for them.

The software test automation process is based on a computer program that can do the testing rather than a person with a mind. The limitations in manual testing can be legion, which is why a computer can be used to think about more problems than those that are typical.

Two approaches exist to software test automation. There is code driven testing which uses a public interface such as classes, modules, and libraries that are put under a series of tests to validate results. There is also the graphical user interface testing. This type of software test automation works with a framework.

The framework will generate events such as keystrokes, mouse clicks, and other behaviors the user might have. The program will then observe this to find out what the person has used. In other words, think about Google testing a new search engine. They launch a beta form in which they look to see what each user is doing with their program. The automation sends this information back to be deciphered, as well as to show any moves by the user that crashed the software in development. In this way, the company saves money by getting real time information from users.

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